Blessings Come Down as the prayers go up...
With Christopher at his softball game I have plenty of time to reflect. Something that I have been thinking a lot about are answered prayers. I'll admit, I have not been the best prayer person. In the past if you asked me to pray for something there was really only a 25% chance that that would actually happen. But Christopher and I have turned over a new leaf.
I have decided to look at things in a new way. Being the recovering criticizer that I am, it is often hard for me to look at a situation and think that anyone else has something to do with the outcome other than myself. I'm going to do better and this, and the previous paragraph, leads to this post. Recognizing God for the little and the big things...
It all started with an answered prayer. I started reading "The Power of a Praying Wife" a few months ago. The first few chapters were on being in silent prayer for those things that I, as a wife, cannot change, but that God will have to change over time. So I did, I started praying for something that I had been wanting to happen in our relationship consistently like it did in the summer of 2002, studying and praying together. A few weeks ago when the War in the middle East started up again Christopher was really thinking about what if this was the end and what if we haven't done enough. I think that that is a common thought for everyone if they feel that Jesus' coming will be soon. Have I done enough??? I knew the answer to that for myself, and I didn't like what God was telling me either. So we talked about it and that night went out and purchased our first Bible study that we were going to do together. We prayed to be committed and consistent, and 6 lessons into it I must say that we are! It's so wonderful to be able to study and pray with your partner. It's something that I did not grow up seeing in my house, but that I would like for my children to see. I would like them the learn that in order to grow together as one you must grow through God first. I feel as though we are taking the first step of many on our journey that God is taking us on.
Another answered prayer, Kory's cousin. She is 6 years old and was diagnosed by the Mayo Clinic with Cancer in her stomach. Kory told us, so I started praying. A few weeks later as they were about to role her into surgery the Dr. stoped them and said that there is no cancer that it is a tumor that has a much better survival rate than the other. What can you accredit that do besides a miracle of Jesus!
Jennifer had a girl in her youth group murdered. She emailed, we responded in prayer, as did several other thousands of people I'm sure, and the two boys were caught! So much healing that must now happen in that youth group, but God is on there side and is with them every step.
Leah needed a job. She had an interview, she emailed us, we prayed! Even though it is not her ideal teaching kids in a school setting job, she is somewhat relieved that she for now has a job. Later will be her career.
Today. The only way that I can explain this is pure intervention by God. I have been thinking a lot of one of my buddies from the LifeCenter, Neil Goodwin. His wife was on dialysis and I have only talked to him a few times since I left there 11 months ago. Today as I was leaving the LifeCenter I saw a man coming out of the Occ. Med. Clinic that I thought resembled him, so I stepped out into the parking lot to get a better look. Usually I would not call out a name for fear of embarrassment that I may have the wrong person, but today I did not hesitate. I yelled his name and he spun around and said "I thought I recognized that voice!" (yes, I have been told that I have a very "distinctive" voice) I walked him to my office so that we could visit a little. Come to find out he was there looking for me. He was about to get into his car to drive closer to the LifeCenter when I caught it. Had it not been God's plan for me to see him today, I would have stayed a little longer in the LifeCenter, I wouldn't have been there late, and my meeting wouldn't have been canceled that allowed me to workout, but He did, so they did! As we were walking and talking I asked him about his wife and he informed me that she had passed away about 1 1/2 months ago. It broke my heart to hear him say those words. I could see the hurt in his eyes. It crushed me. Here was a man that spent the last several years of his life devoted to the care of his wife. He seems so lost. He was talking about how he wanted to sell his house and move but was told by his son and friends to stay put for a while and to not get to anxious to do anything drastic. I can see why he would. Too much pain. For so many years he would help his wife get hooked up to her dialysis machine before bed and listen to that sound all night. He would be the one to wake up if it starting making noises or anything was wrong, now what? The statement that me made today when I asked him how things were going he just said "it's quite." I pray that he finds peace in his quietness. I'm sure the death of his wife brings him some relieve in knowing that no longer is she on machines at night, but can dance the dance of joy all day and all night!
.jpg)
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Monday, July 24, 2006
Girls Trip #6
incredible weekend I must say! Girls trip #6 has come and gone. So many fun things from the weekend. My favorite, the TV never got turned on! That is something so huge in my book, no movies, no news, NO ESPN, no distractions just conversation. Of course most of the conversation took place in the wee hours of the morning, but what do you expect when you get 9 girls together who haven't all been together since January!
The weekend started with dinner and a 2 hour talk at the restaurant. We stayed so long that they brought us the broken cookies that we could not sell. Then came the fun part... Baby shower time! We had a shower for Natalie and little Magna girl, Tam and Kynli, and Sara and Madalyn, via video! Natalie was excited, as was Tam and I guess we'll only know Sara's expressions if she sends a video back!
The best moment of the weekend... JENNA's pregnant. It never fails, something exciting is usually happening every girls trip, this time it was Jenna! Perfect timing for her to tell us. Everyone went crazy, especially Beth since she had just lied to us in the car on the way to dinner, but oh well, it was more exciting with everyone there! Just a little hard to grasp that Jenna and Matt are going to be parents, I wonder if she'll let him deliver the baby...
Saturday we went to bed around 3:00, me anyways there were those that saw 5:00 am, and woke up at 11:00 at breakfast and went to lay out at the Pinson's. It was WONDERFUL! Although I have a pool I don't get to do that near as much as I would like. Especially with 8 other girls, and one Jack of course! I think we floated/layed for around 2 hours, so much fun relaxing. Then it was off to shopping, didn't really buy much, but it's just more fun with 7 others than myself, for sure more fun than taking Christopher!
How did our weekend wrap up? Rice Crispy treats, and another late night. I think I was out around 1:00, but there were those that were still in conversation long after that. Then Sunday... Oh the hour and 45 minute trip to church that I will never forget. All for the sake of the cause, right Kami! It's just too bad that we only heard the invitation song, but we still were able to meet Kami's new friends and have lunch! Good times!
All in all a very successful weekend. It's so wonderful to have a group of 14 other girls that I can honestly say are my good friends. There are a few of that I do not know as well as the others, but as it has in the past, it will come with time! I really regret not being in this group of girls earlier. I spent the first few years of ACU in another group of friend and then my junior year was adopted into this one. I love them all so much! Not many people can have 14 prayers lifted up in a time of need or of praise with just the touch of a button. I truly believe that I am so incredibly blessed to have them!
Pictures to come soon!
incredible weekend I must say! Girls trip #6 has come and gone. So many fun things from the weekend. My favorite, the TV never got turned on! That is something so huge in my book, no movies, no news, NO ESPN, no distractions just conversation. Of course most of the conversation took place in the wee hours of the morning, but what do you expect when you get 9 girls together who haven't all been together since January!
The weekend started with dinner and a 2 hour talk at the restaurant. We stayed so long that they brought us the broken cookies that we could not sell. Then came the fun part... Baby shower time! We had a shower for Natalie and little Magna girl, Tam and Kynli, and Sara and Madalyn, via video! Natalie was excited, as was Tam and I guess we'll only know Sara's expressions if she sends a video back!
The best moment of the weekend... JENNA's pregnant. It never fails, something exciting is usually happening every girls trip, this time it was Jenna! Perfect timing for her to tell us. Everyone went crazy, especially Beth since she had just lied to us in the car on the way to dinner, but oh well, it was more exciting with everyone there! Just a little hard to grasp that Jenna and Matt are going to be parents, I wonder if she'll let him deliver the baby...
Saturday we went to bed around 3:00, me anyways there were those that saw 5:00 am, and woke up at 11:00 at breakfast and went to lay out at the Pinson's. It was WONDERFUL! Although I have a pool I don't get to do that near as much as I would like. Especially with 8 other girls, and one Jack of course! I think we floated/layed for around 2 hours, so much fun relaxing. Then it was off to shopping, didn't really buy much, but it's just more fun with 7 others than myself, for sure more fun than taking Christopher!
How did our weekend wrap up? Rice Crispy treats, and another late night. I think I was out around 1:00, but there were those that were still in conversation long after that. Then Sunday... Oh the hour and 45 minute trip to church that I will never forget. All for the sake of the cause, right Kami! It's just too bad that we only heard the invitation song, but we still were able to meet Kami's new friends and have lunch! Good times!
All in all a very successful weekend. It's so wonderful to have a group of 14 other girls that I can honestly say are my good friends. There are a few of that I do not know as well as the others, but as it has in the past, it will come with time! I really regret not being in this group of girls earlier. I spent the first few years of ACU in another group of friend and then my junior year was adopted into this one. I love them all so much! Not many people can have 14 prayers lifted up in a time of need or of praise with just the touch of a button. I truly believe that I am so incredibly blessed to have them!
Pictures to come soon!
Monday, July 10, 2006
It seems as though it is going to be true...
I was told Saturday that College Station looks as though it may be happening. Not real sure how I feel about that. Mom seemed so sad. As much as I am ready for them to get out of Callisburg, it really does seem the most like home. I mean of all our moves, we've been there 11 years. That's a long time for the Siglers! There are so many laughters, tears, bloody noses, broken bones and friendships that came out of that house. As much as I say that I dislike Callisburg, there are parts of me that will always be there no matter where "home" is. Some of my favorite memories:
Hysterical Moment and Broken nose = The time that Mary Beth and I were "vaulting" on to the big trampoline from the little trampoline and she tripped on the towel, our runway, stepped on the back end of the mini tramp and hit (nose only) on the metal bar of the trampoline. Best thing was that we were able to watch it over and over since it was recorded!!
Tears, too many to mention. Aaron, Kelly, Coach Russell, Grandpa, Chris - these tears will forever be in the hearts of all of my family as so many lessons were learned from all of these. Broken heart tears, I think all of the 4M's had those! Friendship tears. Anger tears, Yes I'll admit that I think that I've had it out with every member of my family.
Oh but the laughter times...Mark, Mark, Mark. How much else do I need to say. There was the time that he pressed Melissa up to the ceiling. The time he did the "elf" to put the star on the Christmas tree. The time the painted all is friends fingernails when they went to sleep too early. There were the games of football between MaryBeth and I with our built in grass! Kneeboarding through the pasture being pulled by a four wheeler! Friday's before football games when mom would fix tons of food and everyone would come and hangout before the game! I never saw my Dad laugh as hard as I did when Jim Carey came out of the rhinos bum in Ace Ventura When Nature Calls. Water fights with Mom. Mark hooking up the kitchen sink sprayer and Dad getting soaked once he was already in his work cloths. Melissa trying to teach me to drive a standard on a hill in the middle of an intersection in the middle of Highway 82. Listen through Mary Beth's door as she sings! My dad's statement "I've got a son who shaves his legs, and a daughter that I can't get to shave, what's wrong here?" Snowball fights at the Sticklands. Mystery Science Theater 2000. Last but not least the Fish!
Boyfriends/Girlfriends... The dates that happened...
for Melissa it was Jory, Keith, Travis, Russell. Me it was Josh, John, Matt, Dustin, Nathan, Slate, Josh, Chad and finally Christopher! Mark let's see... Kristi, Jenny, Bridgett, Callie. MaryBeth there was Chris, Chris's brother, Bridger, Daniel, Chad, Jackie. I'm sure that there were others for Mark and MaryBeth that I have forgotten about, but I believe that I hit the high ones.
The house also had a lot of sleep overs... Jenny, Kristi, JoAnn, Trisha, J-Ray, Jennifer, Misty, Kayce, Daniel, Mandy, Keith, Kevin, Kyle... the list could go on and on.
But the main thing about the house, there was always lots of love. Always a ear that would listen. Always someone that would stay up with you until 3 in the morning to cry with. Always someone to give you a hug, and always someone to encourage you. With 6 in the family there better always be someone there, it's pretty empty if there wasn't.
I was told Saturday that College Station looks as though it may be happening. Not real sure how I feel about that. Mom seemed so sad. As much as I am ready for them to get out of Callisburg, it really does seem the most like home. I mean of all our moves, we've been there 11 years. That's a long time for the Siglers! There are so many laughters, tears, bloody noses, broken bones and friendships that came out of that house. As much as I say that I dislike Callisburg, there are parts of me that will always be there no matter where "home" is. Some of my favorite memories:
Hysterical Moment and Broken nose = The time that Mary Beth and I were "vaulting" on to the big trampoline from the little trampoline and she tripped on the towel, our runway, stepped on the back end of the mini tramp and hit (nose only) on the metal bar of the trampoline. Best thing was that we were able to watch it over and over since it was recorded!!
Tears, too many to mention. Aaron, Kelly, Coach Russell, Grandpa, Chris - these tears will forever be in the hearts of all of my family as so many lessons were learned from all of these. Broken heart tears, I think all of the 4M's had those! Friendship tears. Anger tears, Yes I'll admit that I think that I've had it out with every member of my family.
Oh but the laughter times...Mark, Mark, Mark. How much else do I need to say. There was the time that he pressed Melissa up to the ceiling. The time he did the "elf" to put the star on the Christmas tree. The time the painted all is friends fingernails when they went to sleep too early. There were the games of football between MaryBeth and I with our built in grass! Kneeboarding through the pasture being pulled by a four wheeler! Friday's before football games when mom would fix tons of food and everyone would come and hangout before the game! I never saw my Dad laugh as hard as I did when Jim Carey came out of the rhinos bum in Ace Ventura When Nature Calls. Water fights with Mom. Mark hooking up the kitchen sink sprayer and Dad getting soaked once he was already in his work cloths. Melissa trying to teach me to drive a standard on a hill in the middle of an intersection in the middle of Highway 82. Listen through Mary Beth's door as she sings! My dad's statement "I've got a son who shaves his legs, and a daughter that I can't get to shave, what's wrong here?" Snowball fights at the Sticklands. Mystery Science Theater 2000. Last but not least the Fish!
Boyfriends/Girlfriends... The dates that happened...
for Melissa it was Jory, Keith, Travis, Russell. Me it was Josh, John, Matt, Dustin, Nathan, Slate, Josh, Chad and finally Christopher! Mark let's see... Kristi, Jenny, Bridgett, Callie. MaryBeth there was Chris, Chris's brother, Bridger, Daniel, Chad, Jackie. I'm sure that there were others for Mark and MaryBeth that I have forgotten about, but I believe that I hit the high ones.
The house also had a lot of sleep overs... Jenny, Kristi, JoAnn, Trisha, J-Ray, Jennifer, Misty, Kayce, Daniel, Mandy, Keith, Kevin, Kyle... the list could go on and on.
But the main thing about the house, there was always lots of love. Always a ear that would listen. Always someone that would stay up with you until 3 in the morning to cry with. Always someone to give you a hug, and always someone to encourage you. With 6 in the family there better always be someone there, it's pretty empty if there wasn't.
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
Well, here I am again. I do feel as though this is somewhat therapeutic for me. No real topics to post on today...
Today was my Dad's interview at A&M. No one has heard from him as of lately, so we are not sure how that is going / went.
This weekend was a lot of fun for me. I finally got to go home! It's been a while since we were in Gainesville. It was a compact weekend though. Arrived late Friday night and unloaded some couches. Woke up Saturday morning and Christopher and my dad began work on the new French doors for the den, it only took 7 years to get them, but who's counting... While they were doing this, my mom and I were rearranging / organizing the den! It needed a little structure to it to make it look more like a den than a junk room, I think that we succeeded! My mom was so excited about the couches! She kept saying "my house finally looks put together," apparently she's forgetting about the living room that has no molding on the wall and the wall paper is coming off. But hey, maybe another 7 years from now that will get completed too! Then we took some twin beds to a family in Sherman that my mom works with, did some shopping for a birthday and headed home to go for a night jog and eat some yummy steak!
Sunday we got back to Longview in time to head to the Howard's for a church 4th of July celebration! We had fun! Christopher got to play with Mallory so he was in heaven! (except for when she spit up in his mouth!) Here is the picture of the two of them..
I am excited about this coming weekend! Kami is coming Kami is coming. Yes you guessed it, Kami is coming to spend the night. We are excited. We'll, that's all for now. Later.
Today was my Dad's interview at A&M. No one has heard from him as of lately, so we are not sure how that is going / went.
This weekend was a lot of fun for me. I finally got to go home! It's been a while since we were in Gainesville. It was a compact weekend though. Arrived late Friday night and unloaded some couches. Woke up Saturday morning and Christopher and my dad began work on the new French doors for the den, it only took 7 years to get them, but who's counting... While they were doing this, my mom and I were rearranging / organizing the den! It needed a little structure to it to make it look more like a den than a junk room, I think that we succeeded! My mom was so excited about the couches! She kept saying "my house finally looks put together," apparently she's forgetting about the living room that has no molding on the wall and the wall paper is coming off. But hey, maybe another 7 years from now that will get completed too! Then we took some twin beds to a family in Sherman that my mom works with, did some shopping for a birthday and headed home to go for a night jog and eat some yummy steak!
Sunday we got back to Longview in time to head to the Howard's for a church 4th of July celebration! We had fun! Christopher got to play with Mallory so he was in heaven! (except for when she spit up in his mouth!) Here is the picture of the two of them..
I am excited about this coming weekend! Kami is coming Kami is coming. Yes you guessed it, Kami is coming to spend the night. We are excited. We'll, that's all for now. Later.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
