Have a blessed Thanksgiving!!!

It's official...

we have a teenager in the house!!!! It is so hard to believe that Wooten is 13 years old.

Here are 13 things we love about him:
1. Christian said, "He's smart" - intelligent
2. Exceptional way with words
3. Awesome insight
4. The way he loves to learn (watching the History channel every chance he gets)
5. His love of debating
6. His imagination
7. His quick wit
8. His love of family
9. His big brown eyes and lots and lots of dark hair (so handsome!!!)
10. He is polite
11. His creativeness (always making something or thinking of making something - Legos, science projects, new inventions)
12. His hugs
13. He is too cool for words.








Happy 13th Birthday, Wooten!!

We love you,

Mommy, Daddy, Anna Gracen & Christian

It's cooollllddddddd outside....

Okay, what happened to fall? It is 22 degrees outside on November 22 in North Carolina. What is up? We're planning on doing some yard work today. Hope we can thaw out afterwards. Tom will be making his famous stew to help warm us up.

We're having a discussion about Christmas music. Don't get me wrong I love Christmas, but I love Thanksgiving, also. I will decorate, listen to Christmas music and, of course, shop the day after Thanksgiving. Until then, it's all about Thanksgiving. It is pretty awesome how the two go together - we are thankful to God for Jesus coming to earth to save us. We are thankful every day!!

Have a wonderful weekend!! Stay warm!!!!

Our 16th Wedding Anniversary!

On November 21, 1992 we said, "I do". Then we blinked and 16 years went by. On our wedding video people predicted what we would be doing in 10 years. The general consensus - we would be living in a log home in the woods with lots of children and dogs. Well, we don't have any dogs (only cats) and I'm not sure 3 is considered a lot of children (even though they can sometimes make the noise of lots of children). Our house is homey but not made of logs or in the woods (there are woods behind our backyard).

No huge wedding cake to celebrate our anniversary, but Anna Gracen and I did make cupcakes with homemade buttercream icing.

16 things I love about Tom:

He is...

1. a man after God's heart

2. the spiritual leader of our household

3. my best friend

4. a great father

5. a wonderful provider

6. a kid at heart

His...

7. laugh

8. quick wit

9. smile

10. intelligence

11. work ethic

12. problem solving skills

13. grilling skills

14. hugs

15. kisses

16. I love the way he looks at me, encourages me and helps me to be a better Christian, mother, wife and person.

Happy Anniversary, Pete!!! (my pet name for Tom - "Sweet Pete").

Praise report...

Tricia received good news from the doctors today! Read more here. I cried as I read of God's faithfulness.

Be blessed!!!

Manicotti & football

For lunch yesterday, I wanted to give manicotti a try. Anna Gracen & Christian were excited to help out. They were a big help. Wooten & Tom were excited to try the final product. We had enough for lunch again today. It was yummy even leftover! Here's the recipe we used. I like it because you fill the shells uncooked. The kids did an awesome job. I think we'll be having this again soon.

After filling up on manicotti and finishing school we headed to Apex for the Wildcats' game. It was cold! Unfortunately the Wildcats' season ended last night. The support this team has is amazing. We are proud of all Bennett and the Wildcats accomplished this season! Go Wildcats!!

Field Trips

In honor of Veteran's Day last Tuesday, we went to a celebration at the courthouse. These kids came out on their day off from school to honor our veterans in song. They did an awesome job. The turnout was great. They said it was the biggest turnout ever - well over 400 people. You can read more about the celebration here. We go to church with the guest speaker, Heidi Brown.

Thursday was our field trip to The Wilson Daily Times. We had about 60 home school kids (along with their moms and a few dads) come out to learn all about our local paper. We were guided through all the steps of publishing a newspaper - starting in the newsroom and ending in the delivery pickup. The highlight of the trip was the actual printing press - the kids thought it was loud, but all were impressed with the speed in which it printed. My kids graciously posed in front of the sign for this pic.

In addition to these two field trips - Christian and Wooten had Boys' Club and Anna Gracen and I helped out with Jr. Boys' Club. No organized field trips this week, but we are headed to Apex this afternoon for West Johnston's playoff game (it was postponed from Friday because of the weather). Go Wildcats!!!!

Attention ALL Veterans

Golden Corral is offering FREE dinner on Monday, November 17th to all veterans. Spread the word - what a nice way to honor veterans. More information here.

Prayers

Prayers are needed for many in our community. A line of tornadoes tore through Wilson County and Johnston County early this morning. An 11-year old little boy, Josh Wiggins, was killed about a mile from our house. There were 43 homes damaged and 13 homes destroyed. You can read more here. There were just a few limbs down on our street. My aunt and uncle who live in the heart of Elm City lost part of their chimney, but luckily their house sustained no serious damage.

Please lift up those affected by this storm. Please pray for the clean up and healing that has started. This is all I can share right now. The reality is finally sinking in -

We are blessed!!!!

Thank You!!

Thank you to all the men and women who have courageously served our country. Thank you to the ones currently serving in the United States and overseas. We thank you for our freedom.
We're going on a field trip to the courthouse for a Veterans' Day Program in the morning. You can read more about it here. We go to church with the guest speaker, Heidi Brown. Be sure to thank any veterans you know.

In memory of: Wickie Shingleton. Ben Williams, Bob Dougherty, Russ Lawrence, Jeff Jones, Charles Poythress, James Poythress, Braswell Smith, and Tommy Allgood

In honor of: Paul Shover, Matt Sloan, Bobby Ayers, Laura Graham, Cameron Graham, Chuck Graham, Linda Jarman, Joel Bradberry, and Jeromy Taylor.

The Love Dare

The pivotal question Caleb (Kirk Cameron's character in Fireproof) asks: "How am I supposed to show love to somebody who constantly rejects me?" (I'm glad Jesus doesn't ask this question - He just loves us.) His father explains to him that we are to love as Christ loves us. He then challenges Caleb to a dare and sends him the book The Love Dare. Kathy mentioned the book in her comment about the movie. Here is a link for more information on the book. There is also a "Fireproof Your Marriage" curriculum available.

I overheard a woman say to her friend as they were leaving the movie Friday night, "You need to buy that movie when it comes out on DVD and give it to each of your sons." Spread the word about this movie. It has the potential to strengthen marriages as well as bring people to Jesus.

There is also an awesome soundtrack for the movie with songs from Casting Crowns and Third Day. Enjoy "While I'm Waiting" by John Waller.

Love this song

The newest addition to my play list is "Beautiful Life" by Fisher. Anna Gracen and I heard it on a commercial for Jon & Kate plus 8. We love it and say so every single time we hear it (which is quite often because we watch TLC a lot). In case you don't know about Jon and Kate or their plus 8 - they are the proud parents of two sets of multiples (twin girls and then sextuplets - 3 girls and 3 boys). We love watching their show (even Wooten and Christian enjoy it). Check it out Monday nights on TLC. Some other shows we like to watch together:
Little People, Big World
17 Kids and Counting (the Duggar family)
Ace of Cakes
Throwdown with Bobby Flay
Dancing with the Stars

Weekend Plans

The kids are going to the planetarium tomorrow with their MeMa, PaPa and cousins. What fun they will have. They spent the night over there tonight so Tom and I had a date night.

We went to the movies to see "Fireproof". Oh, my what a wonderful movie! Check out the trailer above. It is from the creators of "Facing the Giants" (another must see movie). Thank you, Kathy, for recommending the movie. A friend of mine at church also recommended it. Every couple needs to see this film. This movie isn't just entertainment it is enlightening.

West Johnston Wildcats lost tonight by 1 point - ugh! They finished the regular season 8-3, pretty awesome record. They take on Garner next week in the playoffs. Great job, Coach Jones!! We are so proud of all you have accomplished on and off the field. When I found out Bennett and his wife, Jennifer, were expecting a baby girl I told them she would be like the little girl in "Remember the Titans". At four years old, Sydney is so much that little girl. She informed me tonight that tomorrow is "stay at home day" with pancakes and family time. What a great way to regroup after a tough night of football.

Have a blessed weekend!!

Changes

As you can see I'm in the process of making some changes to the blog. I say process because I will be doing a little at a time. So the changes you see now will have to do for now.

Fall is here...

even though it is unseasonably warm here in NC. Fall is definitely here. One of my favorite things is seeing the leaves take on their new colors. One of my not so favorite things is raking up those same said leaves as they take over my yard. There is a sense of accomplishment, as brief as it may be, when the yard is leaf free. Then a quick overview of the unchanged leaves still in the Bradford pear trees, reminds me just how short lived the sense of accomplishment is.

Praise God that we have a yard to rake. Praise God that we have the arms, legs and energy to rake. Praise God for changing the colors of the leaves and for changing our hearts towards Him. As you enjoy the beauty of fall - fall in love with the One who created that beauty - Your Creator. Fall in love with Jesus all over again or for the very first time. Know that He is there to catch you when you fall.

Again I say, "Fear Not"

Yesterday I fasted TV. I fasted because I did not want to hear all the commentaries on the election. I know me and I know that by hearing all day long fear would set in. Instead I chose to listen to the voice of My Creator, My Father.

As I was preparing dinner, I started singing a song. Not a song I had heard before, but a song rising up from my heart. Here are the words I sang -
"Fear not, my child, for I Am always near. Fear not, my child, for I Am always here. I will never leave you or forsake you. For I know the plans I have for you so fear not."

Upon awaking just a short time ago (those who know me will be shocked to learn I went to bed at 9:46 pm), I turned on the TV. It took less than 30 seconds to find out the results of the Presidential election. I then came over to the computer to check on the North Carolina results. I can tell you in all honesty there is no fear in me. I will continue to lift this country and our leaders up in prayer. Because (as a friend from our home school group put it) no matter who the President is - God is still King! I have decided to continue my fast from all the commentaries - no looking back - I have my eyes on the prize, Jesus. I look upon the hills where my Help comes from.

Be encouraged - here is the original "Fear not" post:


I heard in a sermon once that the phrase "fear not" is in the Bible 365 times. That is one "fear not" for each day of the year. In doing a search on Bible Gateway, I couldn't find it that many times; however, the point is "fear not" is mentioned over and over again in the Word of God. Let us hold on to the promises of God and "fear not". He is in control of ALL circumstances and absolutely NOTHING catches Him by surprise.

the economy - FEAR NOT
the Presidential election - FEAR NOT
the report from the doctor - FEAR NOT
all cares and concerns - FEAR NOT

I am sensing a spirit of fear in this country. I hear people speaking out of fear. The Word of God tells us in 2 Timothy 1:7 "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."

If you feel that fear - speak against it using the Word of God. Renew your mind daily with God's Word.

Romans 12:1-2 "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."

Walk in spirit and in truth!!!

John 4:23-24 23 "But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”

Whom shall I fear? Whom shall I fear? For I am YOURS!

By Your Side

I heard this song on the radio the other day and immediately added it to my playlist. Here are the lyrics. He is by your side!

By Your Side by Tenth Avenue North

Why are you striving these days
Why are you trying to earn grace
Why are you crying
Let me lift up your face
Just don't turn away
Why are you looking for love
Why are you still searching as if I'm not enough
To where will you go child
Tell me where will you run
To where will you run

Chorus:
And I'll be by your side
Wherever you fall
In the dead of night
Whenever you call
And please don't fight
These hands that are holding you
My hands are holding you

Look at these hands and my side
They swallowed the grave on that night
When I drank the world's sin
So I could carry you in
And give you life
I want to give you life
(Chorus 2x)
Cause I, I love you
I want you to know
That I, I love you
I'll never let you go
(Chorus 2x)

Time to command

I received this in an e-mail and wanted to share.

Top 10 Predictions No Matter Who Wins the Election

1. The Bible will still have all the answers.
2. Prayer will still work.
3. The Holy Spirit will still move.
4. God will still inhabit the praises of His people.
5. There will still be God-anointed preaching.
6. There will still be singing of praise to God.
7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.
8. There will still be room at the Cross.
9. Jesus will still love you.
10. Jesus will still save the lost.
ISN'T IT GREAT TO KNOW WHO IS STILL IN CONTROL?!!!!

I received another e-mail where I read that we need to stop whining, weeping and begging God - we need to command.

"I command that God's Will be done in this nation. I command that God's Will be done on this earth as it is in Heaven. (Not my will, mind you - His Will!) We need to command that eyes be opened to see God's truth." I shared this with the kids and asked "Who can argue with that?" Christian spoke up and said, "There's no arguing with that." Out of the mouth of babes.

Command God's Will be done today and every day!

Jesus Jubilee

As predicted, Jesus Jubilee was a lot of fun. Wooten won the costume contest for the 9 and up age group. He looks soooo cool!! He had an earpiece, finger microphone, a badge and a hand-held metal detector (from a kit that he and Tom put together).

I dressed up as "static cling" which is why my hair looks, oh, so lovely. Unfortunately, Tom had to go to work early and was only able to grab a quick dinner. He did dress up for his dinner though. He was "Joe the Plumber".

Christian won the costume contest for the 6-8 year old age group. Shiver me timbers - what a handsome pirate.

Anna Gracen was a beautiful fairy. She glittered, sparkled, and fluttered all around the church!!

They played games, stocked up on candy, went on a hayride and ended the night with sleepovers. Lindsey came home with Anna Gracen; Christian went home with Charlie; and Wooten went over to Chandler's house.