We have been experiencing unseasonably warmer temperatures across Oklahoma in the recent months and one thing that I love about warm weather is the ability to get outside and get my hands dirty in the flower bed. I have also experienced a change in work status in the last couple of weeks....ok, I am now unemployed and on the job search. Funny thing. About 8 or 9 months ago I thought that I was really suffering in my job and things were not good. Corporate buy out and take over, new company, new rules and regulations, you know, the whole she-bang. I had what I thought was a great opportunity in front of me to work for someone I genuinely respected. To make a long story short, about 8 months later, we both agreed that things were not playing out the way we had envisioned and hence, I am job hunting. So, on one of the first afternoons of my newfound time freedom, I was sweeping off the front porch and admiring an absolutely gorgeous afternoon sky. There was not a lick of wind blowing and the birds were singing and a few neighborhood dogs barking. I glanced over to my very neglected flower beds and thought maybe I should clean them out. So I gathered my supplies, plastic bags for all the dead leaves that had accumulated over the past 6 months, the hand rake, the garden hoe....you know all the goods to really get to work. As I am deep in my work cleaning and cultivating, I realized that there are times in life when we have to get the weeds out. We have to clean up our situations and our attitudes in order to prepare for new things to be planted and to grow. One thing I had not done in quite some time is to clean out the weeds in my life. So I began to pray and to ask God's forgiveness for various things I had let take over my life's flowerbed. I had let other people infiltrate my thoughts about myself and therefore affect me as a person. One thing I know for sure is that God loves each and every one of us and he wants us to be joyful. God wants us to have good things in life. He does not withold blessings from us, sometimes we have to clear the weeds out to see them. God is love and He loves us. Clean out the weeds in your life's flowerbed and enjoy the blessings that God has for you. Love is one of the most important things that we can possess in life. And the great thing about love is that we are commanded to give it away.
In Colossians 3:12-15 we are told, "therefore as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful." Don't continue to carry bitterness and malice in your hearts toward those who you feel may have wronged you. Forgive them and show love since this is what we are commanded to do. When we are able to do this, God will give us peace in our hearts and lives. Who knows? You may be the example that someone else needed to see in order to help them weed out their life's garden.
Blessings to all,
Latasha
Monday, April 1, 2013
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Katie's Journey!!! Let the Healing Begin!!!!
I have had several crazy days!!!! It seems that Satan is trying very hard to place obstacles in my path to keep me from writing Katie's story and placing it right here on this blog!! Our computer crashed Friday, I felt totally disabled and didn't quite know what to do? We are closing on our house Friday and there is never enough hours in the day to get everything done. Grrrr! Well the hubby went and purchased a lap top!!!! YEAH!!!! You can't keep a good woman down!!!! Life is better. :)
Let the Healing Begin!!!!!!
The day had come for Katie to be discharged from the hospital. The team of physicians had met to discuss Katie and her recommended treatment. Her physician told us that because of the lymph node involvement they would be recommending that she do radioactive iodine treatment. We didn't know anything about this and knew that it was time to get to work learning. They wanted Katie to heal from the surgery and wanted her thyroid hormone level to increase before treatment could start. This meant she would be feeling the awful effects as she did prior to surgery, even worse, due to the levels being raised so high. She was very scared. I could tell, just by looking at her. She just kept asking, " how did I get this?" It was never why with Katie. It was always how?I I tried to explained to her that there are so many things in life that we will never know the how or whys too. I did tell her that I felt God presented this to her early in her life for his own reasons and for her best interests. I said, "Your dad and I are so grateful and thankful this was found when it was. I said God is preparing you for something great in your life Katie. He needs to mold you, strenghten you, give you wisdom, and mold your faith. Just surrender honey and let him do what he needs to do. TRUST him and never doubt! He loves you more than you could ever imagine. She said, "Mom I am very lucky, aren't I"
Trying to keep Katie non-active so she could heal and recover was a bit of a task. She felt pretty good and thought she could still go and do the things she did prior to surgery. HA! she figured out pretty fast that her body was in need of rest. We spent alot of time just taking it easy and watching her sleep. I hadn't really done this since she was a baby/toddler. How peaceful she looked when she was sleeping. I wondered what wonderful things God must have in store for her?
Katie to this day has had a very difficult time keeping her calcium levels up. Blood draws are very common at our house. When they do a thyroidectomy they try very hard to save the para thyroids. These aide in the absorption of calcium in ones body. They say that eventually these tiny glands will kick in on their own. Katie's are being stubborn and to this day, do not want to kick in. When calcium levels are low, this can effect muscles in the entire body. A persons heart is the biggest muscle. If levels get to low or drop to fast, she could have heart damage. She becomes frustrated and I do feel for her. Taking medication 4-6 times a day is not easy, and for a teenager, its a pain!! . I just keep reminding her that everyone is different and medicine is not excluded from the equation. That is why they call it "practicing medicine!" Nothing is absolute or concrete!
As her parents, we where both healing on a whole different level. /we had such a struggle over the past 2 years and now we finally knew why. The signs where all there, but at the time, you just don't know what or why things are happening. Katie had big problems at school, at home, socially, every area of her life. Alot was said and done. Now the coach and I where having the guilt set in like a ton of bricks!!! The past was the past and we both knew we could not go back and undue everything we said and did. We could only move forward, with Gods help. We had sooooo much healing and work to do personally and God is still at work daily to make sure this family is completed healed!!! I am so glad that he cares enough for me and my family that he takes the time to complete his ultimate work through us!!!
I hope everyone went out and voted today. Remember that the Father is in control and he is allowing things to happen for a reason and for his purpose!
Have a Blessed Day!!
Anita
Let the Healing Begin!!!!!!
The day had come for Katie to be discharged from the hospital. The team of physicians had met to discuss Katie and her recommended treatment. Her physician told us that because of the lymph node involvement they would be recommending that she do radioactive iodine treatment. We didn't know anything about this and knew that it was time to get to work learning. They wanted Katie to heal from the surgery and wanted her thyroid hormone level to increase before treatment could start. This meant she would be feeling the awful effects as she did prior to surgery, even worse, due to the levels being raised so high. She was very scared. I could tell, just by looking at her. She just kept asking, " how did I get this?" It was never why with Katie. It was always how?I I tried to explained to her that there are so many things in life that we will never know the how or whys too. I did tell her that I felt God presented this to her early in her life for his own reasons and for her best interests. I said, "Your dad and I are so grateful and thankful this was found when it was. I said God is preparing you for something great in your life Katie. He needs to mold you, strenghten you, give you wisdom, and mold your faith. Just surrender honey and let him do what he needs to do. TRUST him and never doubt! He loves you more than you could ever imagine. She said, "Mom I am very lucky, aren't I"
Trying to keep Katie non-active so she could heal and recover was a bit of a task. She felt pretty good and thought she could still go and do the things she did prior to surgery. HA! she figured out pretty fast that her body was in need of rest. We spent alot of time just taking it easy and watching her sleep. I hadn't really done this since she was a baby/toddler. How peaceful she looked when she was sleeping. I wondered what wonderful things God must have in store for her?
Katie to this day has had a very difficult time keeping her calcium levels up. Blood draws are very common at our house. When they do a thyroidectomy they try very hard to save the para thyroids. These aide in the absorption of calcium in ones body. They say that eventually these tiny glands will kick in on their own. Katie's are being stubborn and to this day, do not want to kick in. When calcium levels are low, this can effect muscles in the entire body. A persons heart is the biggest muscle. If levels get to low or drop to fast, she could have heart damage. She becomes frustrated and I do feel for her. Taking medication 4-6 times a day is not easy, and for a teenager, its a pain!! . I just keep reminding her that everyone is different and medicine is not excluded from the equation. That is why they call it "practicing medicine!" Nothing is absolute or concrete!
As her parents, we where both healing on a whole different level. /we had such a struggle over the past 2 years and now we finally knew why. The signs where all there, but at the time, you just don't know what or why things are happening. Katie had big problems at school, at home, socially, every area of her life. Alot was said and done. Now the coach and I where having the guilt set in like a ton of bricks!!! The past was the past and we both knew we could not go back and undue everything we said and did. We could only move forward, with Gods help. We had sooooo much healing and work to do personally and God is still at work daily to make sure this family is completed healed!!! I am so glad that he cares enough for me and my family that he takes the time to complete his ultimate work through us!!!
I hope everyone went out and voted today. Remember that the Father is in control and he is allowing things to happen for a reason and for his purpose!
Have a Blessed Day!!
Anita
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Katie's Journey!!!! The Diagnosis!
As the journey with Katie began, it is important for me to tell the events that lead to her diagnosis. It was July and we where packing up the house to move to our temporary home until we finalized the purchase of our home. The 2 older girls had gone to get their sports physicals at school. When they returned home, Katie informed us that the PA had discovered a lump in her neck. I didn't think to much about it and thought, " we need to go to her doctor and check all this out before school starts." This would start a chain of events that kept us wondering in the valley. Waiting became such a normal common feeling for the coach and I.
Every test, every doctors visit would lead us to more tests and another doctor. The coach received a phone call that Katie's ultrasound showed blood flow to these nodules and her blood tests where out of whack. She would need to have a fine needle biopsy to determine if she had cancer. They told us " prepare for the worst and hope for the best." Are you kidding me! They let you get away with telling people this? We are talking about my child! My emotions where on a roller coaster ride! I was scared, angry, resentful! We tried to go on as normal as we could for the next 10 days. Waiting again was a familiar feeling!! Being a nurse, I all of the sudden found myself on the other side of the fence. I did not like this! The patient was my daughter and I was not dealing with this well. I was so accustom to taking care of horrible situations and being the one in control while at work. I was no longer in control and God was showing me daily to TRUST him and have FAITH!
My mind began reflecting back to the end of school. Katie had always been my one child that was so full of energy and ready for anything. Since she was a toddler, she was the last to go to bed and the first one up everyday. She wore us out with all her energy! She was sleeping 16 hours a day. No energy, constant fatigue. Not feeling good. Aches and pains. She even told me, "mom I am soooo tired and just don't feel good." At the time, I thought she was being a teenager. Not the case! Deep down I wondered what is wrong with her? Is this typical? I just could not put my finger on it.
The day of the needle biopsy was sobering, to say the least. The physician explained that after collecting samples from Katie's cells, the pathologist was questioning the slides and was questioning what he was seeing. He felt that she needed to have surgery. The plan would be to take half of her thyroid and tumors. He would send off the tissues for pathology. If they came back as cancer, poor Katie would have to go back in for another surgery to remove the other half of her thyroid. When we left his office Thurs. afternoon, we received a phone call that Katie had been scheduled for surgery Mon Aug. 6th. WOW!!! What is the urgency, I thought! They keep telling us that it is probably nothing. Panic began to set in with all of us!!!! We had everyone praying!!! Face book, email, text, phone calls. Anything we could do to get the word out and widen the prayer circle, lifting this child up!!!
When we arrived the morning of surgery, Katie was ready!!! I knew when she told me "Mom God is the great physician!!! I trust the surgeon and he is a good guy!" I knew right then my baby was ready physically, emotionally and spiritually! She would be facing this mountain head on and she was not going to back down. God all ready knew her outcome and the story book of Katie's life!!!!
The next 4 days in the hospital was an experience that will live in my heart forever. The courage my child showed was one that I viewed in total awh and amazement! So grown up, yet still a child! I was taken back several notches!! The rug had been snatched up underneath us. God grabbed me up and put every circumstance into perspective. She was given to me on loan, by his mighty hand, his doing, not mine. He showed me that he is in control, not me, not Katie, but my Heavenly Father. Katie and I both have very controlling personalities!! God was showing us both to take a back seat in all this!! Depending on him for everything!!! He already knew her outcome. He wanted us all drawing closer to him and depending on him. I needed him to hold me up because I could not do this alone! It's Humility!!! He was showing me Humility! Alot to take in, but I knew it was for a reason, his purpose, and my best interest. Cancer was not what we wanted to hear, but it was what we were given. The pathology reports showed thyroid cancer and lymph node involvement! What next!!! Again, we waited and we prayed!!!!
Have a blessed day,
Anita
PS: Today is my mothers birthday! I woke up this morning and thought about what today is. This sweet lady went to be with our Lord and Savior 12 years ago, after her long battle with cancer! Boy, do I ever miss her! Love you Mom!!
Every test, every doctors visit would lead us to more tests and another doctor. The coach received a phone call that Katie's ultrasound showed blood flow to these nodules and her blood tests where out of whack. She would need to have a fine needle biopsy to determine if she had cancer. They told us " prepare for the worst and hope for the best." Are you kidding me! They let you get away with telling people this? We are talking about my child! My emotions where on a roller coaster ride! I was scared, angry, resentful! We tried to go on as normal as we could for the next 10 days. Waiting again was a familiar feeling!! Being a nurse, I all of the sudden found myself on the other side of the fence. I did not like this! The patient was my daughter and I was not dealing with this well. I was so accustom to taking care of horrible situations and being the one in control while at work. I was no longer in control and God was showing me daily to TRUST him and have FAITH!
My mind began reflecting back to the end of school. Katie had always been my one child that was so full of energy and ready for anything. Since she was a toddler, she was the last to go to bed and the first one up everyday. She wore us out with all her energy! She was sleeping 16 hours a day. No energy, constant fatigue. Not feeling good. Aches and pains. She even told me, "mom I am soooo tired and just don't feel good." At the time, I thought she was being a teenager. Not the case! Deep down I wondered what is wrong with her? Is this typical? I just could not put my finger on it.
The day of the needle biopsy was sobering, to say the least. The physician explained that after collecting samples from Katie's cells, the pathologist was questioning the slides and was questioning what he was seeing. He felt that she needed to have surgery. The plan would be to take half of her thyroid and tumors. He would send off the tissues for pathology. If they came back as cancer, poor Katie would have to go back in for another surgery to remove the other half of her thyroid. When we left his office Thurs. afternoon, we received a phone call that Katie had been scheduled for surgery Mon Aug. 6th. WOW!!! What is the urgency, I thought! They keep telling us that it is probably nothing. Panic began to set in with all of us!!!! We had everyone praying!!! Face book, email, text, phone calls. Anything we could do to get the word out and widen the prayer circle, lifting this child up!!!
When we arrived the morning of surgery, Katie was ready!!! I knew when she told me "Mom God is the great physician!!! I trust the surgeon and he is a good guy!" I knew right then my baby was ready physically, emotionally and spiritually! She would be facing this mountain head on and she was not going to back down. God all ready knew her outcome and the story book of Katie's life!!!!
The next 4 days in the hospital was an experience that will live in my heart forever. The courage my child showed was one that I viewed in total awh and amazement! So grown up, yet still a child! I was taken back several notches!! The rug had been snatched up underneath us. God grabbed me up and put every circumstance into perspective. She was given to me on loan, by his mighty hand, his doing, not mine. He showed me that he is in control, not me, not Katie, but my Heavenly Father. Katie and I both have very controlling personalities!! God was showing us both to take a back seat in all this!! Depending on him for everything!!! He already knew her outcome. He wanted us all drawing closer to him and depending on him. I needed him to hold me up because I could not do this alone! It's Humility!!! He was showing me Humility! Alot to take in, but I knew it was for a reason, his purpose, and my best interest. Cancer was not what we wanted to hear, but it was what we were given. The pathology reports showed thyroid cancer and lymph node involvement! What next!!! Again, we waited and we prayed!!!!
Have a blessed day,
Anita
PS: Today is my mothers birthday! I woke up this morning and thought about what today is. This sweet lady went to be with our Lord and Savior 12 years ago, after her long battle with cancer! Boy, do I ever miss her! Love you Mom!!
Monday, October 29, 2012
Willing to Share!!!!
Hello to ALL!!!! I know that it has been forever since I have blogged!! To be quit honest, I have not had the time nor the energy to devote my time. I have truly missed it!!!I know its time, I am ready, I am willing to share the many experiences that our family has gone through. I have prayed for a long time for the Father to show me where to even start to share with others the valley that I was walking through. My want and desire is to help others and help them with similar circumstances as mine. To show awareness and the effects of childhood cancer and maybe, just maybe, I could be a blessing to someone else.
There is absolutely no way to tell this story in 1 or even several blog entries, so please bare with me! :) I tend to ramble!! lol! I am going to try very hard to have a series of events that happened with stories and pictures that follow one another. This way I can time line everything. Makes it easier for me to write and you to read. So here we go!!!!!! Katie's Journey!!! The story of an adolescents battle with cancer and her spiritual growth. Her families struggle with her diagnosis and how truly awesome and faithful GOD is!!!!!!
Our dear sweet 14 year old was diagnosed with thyroid cancer August 6th, 2012. The coaches ( my husband) cell phone rang, the surgeon gave the news! Katie has cancer!!!! I had to believe and trust that God would work his hand through the surgeon and the medical team. The coach and I both felt like we had been hit with a sledge hammer! I remember sitting there trying to wrap my head around everything. How in the world did our daughter develop cancer. What next? Why, Lord? Please, let me trade places with her!!! We cried, we prayed, and we sat there numb!!! We rallied every prayer warrior in our inner circle of family and friends. We both knew that our lives, along with our daughters, where about to change forever.
We where told that if anyone was going to get cancer, this was the one they wanted. It had a high survival rate and the younger you where at diagnosis the better your chances. We would later learn that Katie was 1 out of 5 kids in the OU Children's Hospital (Pediatric Endocrinology) that had thyroid cancer. I didn't know how or what to feel after finding out this information? It was time to get proactive for Katie!! The coach and I did not have time to feel sorry for ourselves or the situation. We had to learn all we could to better help our daughter. It seemed like every time I talked to family or pondered on scripture. Psalm 139: 13-18 kept coming to my mind. God had a special plan for this girls life! He was molding her for his will and plan for her life and the special things to come. I thanked him and praised him, even through our pain. I needed him and he never left us!!!!!!!
Each of us has a specific task to complete for the Lord while here on this earth. What is your task or special gift? How can he use you for his purpose? Are you willing?
UPDATE ON KATIE:
Katie is doing great!!!! She is such an inspiration to her mother!!! Weekly blood draws still continue. We will go back for her big check up Dec. 5th to see if she responded to her treatment. Pray for her please?
Have a blessed day,
Anita
There is absolutely no way to tell this story in 1 or even several blog entries, so please bare with me! :) I tend to ramble!! lol! I am going to try very hard to have a series of events that happened with stories and pictures that follow one another. This way I can time line everything. Makes it easier for me to write and you to read. So here we go!!!!!! Katie's Journey!!! The story of an adolescents battle with cancer and her spiritual growth. Her families struggle with her diagnosis and how truly awesome and faithful GOD is!!!!!!
Our dear sweet 14 year old was diagnosed with thyroid cancer August 6th, 2012. The coaches ( my husband) cell phone rang, the surgeon gave the news! Katie has cancer!!!! I had to believe and trust that God would work his hand through the surgeon and the medical team. The coach and I both felt like we had been hit with a sledge hammer! I remember sitting there trying to wrap my head around everything. How in the world did our daughter develop cancer. What next? Why, Lord? Please, let me trade places with her!!! We cried, we prayed, and we sat there numb!!! We rallied every prayer warrior in our inner circle of family and friends. We both knew that our lives, along with our daughters, where about to change forever.
We where told that if anyone was going to get cancer, this was the one they wanted. It had a high survival rate and the younger you where at diagnosis the better your chances. We would later learn that Katie was 1 out of 5 kids in the OU Children's Hospital (Pediatric Endocrinology) that had thyroid cancer. I didn't know how or what to feel after finding out this information? It was time to get proactive for Katie!! The coach and I did not have time to feel sorry for ourselves or the situation. We had to learn all we could to better help our daughter. It seemed like every time I talked to family or pondered on scripture. Psalm 139: 13-18 kept coming to my mind. God had a special plan for this girls life! He was molding her for his will and plan for her life and the special things to come. I thanked him and praised him, even through our pain. I needed him and he never left us!!!!!!!
Each of us has a specific task to complete for the Lord while here on this earth. What is your task or special gift? How can he use you for his purpose? Are you willing?
UPDATE ON KATIE:
Katie is doing great!!!! She is such an inspiration to her mother!!! Weekly blood draws still continue. We will go back for her big check up Dec. 5th to see if she responded to her treatment. Pray for her please?
Have a blessed day,
Anita
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Prayer! The best medicine.
Wow! It has been a while since I have been on this blog. I have missed this a lot! I have allowed myself to get down in the recent weeks about so many things. But, just when I think that everything is going wrong, God has a way of showing me how thankful I should be.
After nearly 10 years working in the hospital I had an opportunity to change the course of my career path. This opportunity put me into a physician's clinic that is based on Christian values. A rarity? Yes. But this particular doctor is an amazing man. One of the things I love is the fact that on our patient sign in paperwork there is a place at the bottom where a patient can request prayer. The other thing that I love is that as an office, we follow through with this request. I am so thankful to be in a place where I can practice my skill as a nurse AND my knowledge as a child of God. So often we get caught up in the hum drum world of going to work and coming home, only praying for those who request it in Sunday School or Church. Co-workers, family, friends, acquaintances....they all need prayer and it's OK to share our gift with others. God answered my prayer when I was searching for a path, a purpose, a change....
God is so good!! Now to find the balance again....fitting regular workouts back in to my schedule is a must! Minor adjustments here and there....we'll see.
Blessings to all,
Latasha
After nearly 10 years working in the hospital I had an opportunity to change the course of my career path. This opportunity put me into a physician's clinic that is based on Christian values. A rarity? Yes. But this particular doctor is an amazing man. One of the things I love is the fact that on our patient sign in paperwork there is a place at the bottom where a patient can request prayer. The other thing that I love is that as an office, we follow through with this request. I am so thankful to be in a place where I can practice my skill as a nurse AND my knowledge as a child of God. So often we get caught up in the hum drum world of going to work and coming home, only praying for those who request it in Sunday School or Church. Co-workers, family, friends, acquaintances....they all need prayer and it's OK to share our gift with others. God answered my prayer when I was searching for a path, a purpose, a change....
God is so good!! Now to find the balance again....fitting regular workouts back in to my schedule is a must! Minor adjustments here and there....we'll see.
Blessings to all,
Latasha
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Gaining Through Losing
When I was enduring my dads battle with cancer, I literally was lost and didn't know it at the time. I needed help and direction and God had a plan for the both of us. The journey that my dad took me down remains deep within me daily. I truly got to in vision a piece of my dads journey. Seeing Heaven through my daddy's eyes. The only way to really explain it to anyone is it was if he had one foot in the flesh world and one foot in the spiritual world. He was transitioning to his eternal home. Many in the family thought that my dads mind had been altered due to the illness or the medication. He was absolutely crystal clear in his mind. The agitation was from him not wanting to let go and transition. He loved the Lord with every part of his being. He didn't have to talk about his faith. He lived it!! I remember him sitting on the edge of his bed one night. He was fading physically and the chemo was not doing anything but giving my dad some empty hope to still hang on and fight. He was struggling with what to do. He said, "Honey, I just don't know what to do?" I knew that he was literally torn between 2 worlds. I wanted to be very selfish and tell him to keep fighting for his children and grand children. I knew I could not ask this of my daddy. I told my dad that he would know when the time was right for him to make decisions. I told him I loved him and would always be here for him.
You see, when I lost my dad, I gained his insight that he shared with me along the way. I truly know so much more than I did before our journey together. I got to experience a very small piece of what we have to look forward too. Heaven is real! I seen it through my dad. I remember asking my dad one morning what he was seeing? He teared up and was speechless. He said that he was unable to even get close to explaining what he was experiencing and seeing. He said my mind was not able to conceive it. Almost two years have passed since his passing. I have looked back and know that all we shared was not only for his purpose, but also mine. Not all will ever get to experience this type of insight that I did. When we lose someone we want to believe that they have moved onto Heaven. I don't know why I was the one chosen by my daddy but I know that I needed to be worked on too. God knew that I needed to see what my dad was going through.
My faith has grown and the Fathers gracious love endures. As I was slowly watching my dad slip away, I would be gaining through this precious mans loss!!! The grace that I observed that the Father poured out on him was nothing short of amazing. I seen my dad transition with such ease and grace. When he finally let go, the Father was laboring him for his spiritual birth into Heaven. I was right there and got to see it with my own eyes. Not many even get close to realizing what is truly going on. A woman will labor the birth of a child. We labor to be born and "some"will labor to die. I was right there when this mans heart was stopping and his spirit left his body. His spirit was being born and leaving for his eternal home!!! I cried tears of joy, yet my selfish flesh part cried because I wanted him to stay a little longer. I knew he was meeting his Lord and Savior. Daddy's crown would be the most beautiful and magnificent. He would be told, "Well done J. Bill you "faithful servant" for I am very pleased! I smiled and thought I will see you soon daddy!! I Love You!
Thank You Father for the courage to share just a piece of this incredible journey!!!
Have a blessed day everyone,
Anita
You see, when I lost my dad, I gained his insight that he shared with me along the way. I truly know so much more than I did before our journey together. I got to experience a very small piece of what we have to look forward too. Heaven is real! I seen it through my dad. I remember asking my dad one morning what he was seeing? He teared up and was speechless. He said that he was unable to even get close to explaining what he was experiencing and seeing. He said my mind was not able to conceive it. Almost two years have passed since his passing. I have looked back and know that all we shared was not only for his purpose, but also mine. Not all will ever get to experience this type of insight that I did. When we lose someone we want to believe that they have moved onto Heaven. I don't know why I was the one chosen by my daddy but I know that I needed to be worked on too. God knew that I needed to see what my dad was going through.
My faith has grown and the Fathers gracious love endures. As I was slowly watching my dad slip away, I would be gaining through this precious mans loss!!! The grace that I observed that the Father poured out on him was nothing short of amazing. I seen my dad transition with such ease and grace. When he finally let go, the Father was laboring him for his spiritual birth into Heaven. I was right there and got to see it with my own eyes. Not many even get close to realizing what is truly going on. A woman will labor the birth of a child. We labor to be born and "some"will labor to die. I was right there when this mans heart was stopping and his spirit left his body. His spirit was being born and leaving for his eternal home!!! I cried tears of joy, yet my selfish flesh part cried because I wanted him to stay a little longer. I knew he was meeting his Lord and Savior. Daddy's crown would be the most beautiful and magnificent. He would be told, "Well done J. Bill you "faithful servant" for I am very pleased! I smiled and thought I will see you soon daddy!! I Love You!
Thank You Father for the courage to share just a piece of this incredible journey!!!
Have a blessed day everyone,
Anita
Monday, May 14, 2012
Opportunities and Open Doors..........
With the end of the school year wrapping up to a close, we have been very busy. I had always wondered how other parents did it. It can seem overwhelming to try and keep up with everything. We went on a field trip with my youngest this past week. I love to try and be at everything my kids are involved in but as a nurse working 12 hour night shifts, it is almost impossible to attend everything. Grrrrr! I just hate having to be responsible!! HAH! Wish I had that money tree in the backyard! The coach says, "even if you did have a money tree, you would forget to water it." HAH! He is probably right!
Last week was national nurses week. I am a little late but I want to say thank you to all of my nursing family and what an honor it is to know you, work with you, or have crossed paths with you. I have met so many wonderful people in the line of work that I do. I feel very blessed that I am able to meet a whole array of different people from every walk of life. I will admit that there are times, more often than not, that I wish very different for my life. I start wondering what life would have been up to this point, had I chose something different as my occupation? Then I stop and look around at who and what nurses represent, I quickly realize that God chose this path for me for a reason. No matter what I will eventually end up doing with my life, I will always be a nurse.
I have a lot of people ask me why I chose to be a nurse? It was something I have always known I was suppose to do. God paved the way and allowed me the opportunity. The door opened wide and it was up to me to walk through it. :) Life is like that! We each have sooooo many opportunities. We are the ones to decide whether we walk through an open door or not. Its called FREE WILL!!! We are given a choice in every situation. This is something our Heavenly Father chose for us. He will never force us into anything. Its our decision. What an awesome loving Father!!
Hope everyone had a wonderful Mothers Day yesterday!
Have a blessed day everyone,
Anita
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Storms of Life.........
My husband is the weather man at our house. Always watching the weather updates and getting everyone rounded up so he knows his family is safe. Early Saturday morning, without warning, the coach and I woke up to a severe thunderstorm. At the time we both thought it was just heavy rain and winds, the weather channel indicated no other concerns. I tried to go back to bed and then heard crashing and pounding sounds hitting the house. I jumped out of bed and nearly tripped running down the hall. Dazed and confused, I realized that "hail" was the sound I was hearing. After rescuing are family pet corgi dog "Ranger" from his near death experience, I just stood at the front door observing the "base ball size hail" falling down covering the ground and crashing our vehicles. I felt defenseless and wanted to cry! Three of our vehicles were severely damaged by this hail storm.
Sometimes we can see the storms coming in our lives and others we have no clue, until they are here and covering us. Life can seem like such a test of storms that we go through. If I had it my way, I could do without the storms in life. The storms come so we can see the rainbows!!! If life gives you storms, you look for the rainbow!!! I know that each of our lives are continually being molded into the plans that the Father has for us. Jeremiah 29:11
I think of the Father sitting at his potters table. Daily he is re-molding to make me into what he has for his kingdom. He is so patient and treats me with delicate tender hands. Believe me, I need it because this girl is pretty fragile. Taking a little off here and there and adding such brilliance and design to me as he molds me! We are each unique. Not one of us is the same! Just the let the storms come and know that you are being molded! Going through these storms adds the spiritual maturity needed to get the end result. He wants the dependency on him. He will not ever give you more than you can handle.
Have a Blessed Day to All,
Anita
Sometimes we can see the storms coming in our lives and others we have no clue, until they are here and covering us. Life can seem like such a test of storms that we go through. If I had it my way, I could do without the storms in life. The storms come so we can see the rainbows!!! If life gives you storms, you look for the rainbow!!! I know that each of our lives are continually being molded into the plans that the Father has for us. Jeremiah 29:11
I think of the Father sitting at his potters table. Daily he is re-molding to make me into what he has for his kingdom. He is so patient and treats me with delicate tender hands. Believe me, I need it because this girl is pretty fragile. Taking a little off here and there and adding such brilliance and design to me as he molds me! We are each unique. Not one of us is the same! Just the let the storms come and know that you are being molded! Going through these storms adds the spiritual maturity needed to get the end result. He wants the dependency on him. He will not ever give you more than you can handle.
Have a Blessed Day to All,
Anita
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
A gift of choices!!!!
My oldest daughter had her first prom this past weekend. I had such a great time helping her get ready for this grand event. After many attempts at hair dos, we finally mastered the perfect hair style! She looked beautiful and reflecting on the years of her life and how fast it has gone, made me alittle sad, yet excited for her! My other two daughters looked at her with such tender fascination! My youngest said, " You look like a princess!" I smiled and later I thought we are all the Lords little princesses! We are priceless to him. Each with a specific plan and purpose, very special to him.
As her date picked her up and pictures where taken, I became very nervous at her leaving for the entire evening. I felt that I hadn't equipped her with enough words. I wanted her to be safe. I knew it was time to let her go. I just can't imagine what my parents went through when I was growing up. I can't even begin to imagine what God thinks when we reach accountability in our lives. The choices we make and the consequences to those choices. WOW!! I just realized that I am not even close to what he probably wants for me, but I keep trying.
I love Palms 139!!! I have gone back to this particular passage so many times that I have lost count!! It is so awesome to think that each of us was specifically thought out and our entire lives written out before we were ever born! The Father has given each of us a awesome gift to accept or not to accept! The choice is totally up to each of us. His son Jesus paid the price so the gift is free!! Contact me through email, I would love to discuss further with anyone wanting more information! :)
Time means nothing to our Father in Heaven. He is on a very different time table than we are. Our lives are but a moment in time to him, yet the mile stones we journey down seem to take forever. Most wanting everything yesterday and not knowing what waiting means. We are not promised tomorrow, yet so many of take our lives for grant. He is patiently waiting on us to come to him. He has not left, he has always been here. He just waits for you to reach out to him!
Have a blessed day everyone,
Anita
As her date picked her up and pictures where taken, I became very nervous at her leaving for the entire evening. I felt that I hadn't equipped her with enough words. I wanted her to be safe. I knew it was time to let her go. I just can't imagine what my parents went through when I was growing up. I can't even begin to imagine what God thinks when we reach accountability in our lives. The choices we make and the consequences to those choices. WOW!! I just realized that I am not even close to what he probably wants for me, but I keep trying.
I love Palms 139!!! I have gone back to this particular passage so many times that I have lost count!! It is so awesome to think that each of us was specifically thought out and our entire lives written out before we were ever born! The Father has given each of us a awesome gift to accept or not to accept! The choice is totally up to each of us. His son Jesus paid the price so the gift is free!! Contact me through email, I would love to discuss further with anyone wanting more information! :)
Time means nothing to our Father in Heaven. He is on a very different time table than we are. Our lives are but a moment in time to him, yet the mile stones we journey down seem to take forever. Most wanting everything yesterday and not knowing what waiting means. We are not promised tomorrow, yet so many of take our lives for grant. He is patiently waiting on us to come to him. He has not left, he has always been here. He just waits for you to reach out to him!
Have a blessed day everyone,
Anita
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Tucking me under His Wings!!!!!
The Lord promises that there is nothing that he wouldn't see each of us through. I know in my heart that his word is his promise to us. It is alive and truth!!! I have thought so many times of the promises that I myself have made along the way. To my husband, my children, co-workers, close family and friends. The integrity that a person shows, or does not show? A persons word is taken literally. Its learning to make your yes a yes, and your no, a no thank you. I am finding myself holding on to the very word that God has graciously placed in my life daily. The bible!!!! This is all I need to guide me through any and every situation I may be facing in my life.
I have questioned my purpose in this life for many years. Just not quite knowing where I fit in. Asking all the tough questions. Who am I? What I am suppose to be doing with my life? How can I help others? How do I use what God has given me to share with others? Believe me, I am still seeking these tuff answers!! I had the most precious christian parents anyone could have ever asked for. Being adopted, I was literally placed in their lives by the Lords mighty hand. He placed me tightly under his wing and has guided me throughout my life. I never realized this until the last couple of years.
A cousin of mine sent me this picture not to long ago. I think about the Lord holding me up and carrying me through so many situations in my life. It can be really difficult when I feel that I am not capable of flying on my own. He carries us and holds us up when we cant seem to find our wings. This picture seems to say so much!!!!
I think about the guidance I have received throughout my life and the people placed in my life to help me reach the Fathers will. The only difference between me and anyone else is I have chosen to tell my experiences. If I can help 1 person to connect and engage, then I have done what I am suppose too and the Father is glorified! Have you ever watched a momma bird? How she cares for her young with such tender care, caution, and guidance? When its time for the young to fly on their own, how she guides them and then brings them back home to comfort them under her wings.
Psalm 25: 4-5
Show me the path where I should walk, O Lord; point out the right road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you.
Have a blessed day everyone,
Anita
Friday, April 20, 2012
In His Presence!!!!
Sometimes paths are meant to be traveled down alone. I have been down many journeys in my life and the path I am currently on, is one to be accomplished by me, and me alone. Depending only on the Lord to guide me, not the opinions or advice of others. I have come to the conclusion that there is a huge difference in being still and doing nothing. The presence of the Lord can be felt, its learning to be still long enough to feel and see his presence.
Psalm 46: 10&11
"Be silent, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world." The Lord Almighty is here amoung us; the God of Israel is our fortress.
I had worked the night shift a couple of evenings ago. I usually call home prior to leaving work to check on the kiddos. My 8 year old answered the phone, "Hello mama!! How are you doing this morning?" I asked her how everything was going? Her response, "Good! I slept really good last night and I love you and miss you alot mama!" I could hear her smile on her face. She by nature and temperment, is a very happy child and I needed her joy this particular morning. Just moments before I had been holding a 3 year old girl in my arms while other medical staff poked and prodded. She cried and screamed and all I could do was comfort through words. The Lord knew that I needed to be calmed prior to my drive home and he did this through my daughter. I felt his presence on the drive home and I enjoyed the prayer time I had in the car. Needless to say, sleeping when I got home was much invited and easier this particular morning.
Feeling His Presence: This can be found in many areas of life. These just happen to be a few that are on my list.
A beautiful song. A poem. A conversation. A loving touch. A unexpected phone call. Nature ( Gods scenery is magnificent!)
Children laughing!
An older couple holding hands and walking together. I think this is so sweet!!!!
Tears! Yes, tears! God knows every tear we cry. Weddings and the birth of a child.
A beautiful sunset, a rainbow, gentle rains.
Hearing my kids call me mama! And remembering my sweet parents!
The Lord makes his presence know everywhere! Sometimes we just don't take the time to appreciate it or are blinded when He is right is front of us. Love you all! Have a great weekend!
Have a blessed day,
Anita
Psalm 46: 10&11
"Be silent, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world." The Lord Almighty is here amoung us; the God of Israel is our fortress.
I had worked the night shift a couple of evenings ago. I usually call home prior to leaving work to check on the kiddos. My 8 year old answered the phone, "Hello mama!! How are you doing this morning?" I asked her how everything was going? Her response, "Good! I slept really good last night and I love you and miss you alot mama!" I could hear her smile on her face. She by nature and temperment, is a very happy child and I needed her joy this particular morning. Just moments before I had been holding a 3 year old girl in my arms while other medical staff poked and prodded. She cried and screamed and all I could do was comfort through words. The Lord knew that I needed to be calmed prior to my drive home and he did this through my daughter. I felt his presence on the drive home and I enjoyed the prayer time I had in the car. Needless to say, sleeping when I got home was much invited and easier this particular morning.
Feeling His Presence: This can be found in many areas of life. These just happen to be a few that are on my list.
A beautiful song. A poem. A conversation. A loving touch. A unexpected phone call. Nature ( Gods scenery is magnificent!)
Children laughing!
An older couple holding hands and walking together. I think this is so sweet!!!!
Tears! Yes, tears! God knows every tear we cry. Weddings and the birth of a child.
A beautiful sunset, a rainbow, gentle rains.
Hearing my kids call me mama! And remembering my sweet parents!
The Lord makes his presence know everywhere! Sometimes we just don't take the time to appreciate it or are blinded when He is right is front of us. Love you all! Have a great weekend!
Have a blessed day,
Anita
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Some of my Favorite Things!!!!!
I love to read and the Bible is my all time favorite!! I would like to share some of the books that have helped me in devotions and guidance but I always reference back to my bible. These are great books and I go back to them often. I sometimes have several books going at once. Yeah! Call me crazy! I get confused sometimes but never bored! :)
1.) "Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World" by JoAnna Weaver
2.) "Lord, Change Me"!!! by Evelyn Christenson
3.) "What Happens When Women Pray" by Evelyn Christenson
4.) "Prayer" by Philip Yancey
5.) "The Power of a Praying Parent" by Stormie Omartian
I love to listen to "Focus on the Family". I realize more and more that I am not the only person going through stuff in my life!
I love to photograph my kids and all they do. I am the mama with the camera at all their functions........
Cooking and quilting have been in my family for generations!! It is second nature to me.
Love to spend time with my hubby!!!
I don't love to exercise but I know how good I feel when I do. It is always time well spent with the Lord. I put in my ear phones and turn the music to my favorite Christian songs and off I go jogging to the Lords glorious music and scenery!! That's what I love! Why couldn't I have been given the gift of singing? Just not my gift but love to listen to all the talent. Beautiful!!
Have a blessed day everyone,
Anita
1.) "Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World" by JoAnna Weaver
2.) "Lord, Change Me"!!! by Evelyn Christenson
3.) "What Happens When Women Pray" by Evelyn Christenson
4.) "Prayer" by Philip Yancey
5.) "The Power of a Praying Parent" by Stormie Omartian
I love to listen to "Focus on the Family". I realize more and more that I am not the only person going through stuff in my life!
I love to photograph my kids and all they do. I am the mama with the camera at all their functions........
Cooking and quilting have been in my family for generations!! It is second nature to me.
Love to spend time with my hubby!!!
I don't love to exercise but I know how good I feel when I do. It is always time well spent with the Lord. I put in my ear phones and turn the music to my favorite Christian songs and off I go jogging to the Lords glorious music and scenery!! That's what I love! Why couldn't I have been given the gift of singing? Just not my gift but love to listen to all the talent. Beautiful!!
Have a blessed day everyone,
Anita
Monday, April 16, 2012
Bending, but not broken!!!!
Its been a long time since I have posted anything on our blog. I want to share my journey the Lord has taken me down! A spiritual surgery that I was not looking to have done. No one is, right? I needed a transplant within my deepest soul and the Lord is doing this daily! Change, Me Lord! I have prayed this for close to a year. Watch what you pray for. :) WOW! I had no idea what this meant for me in my life. He will finish what he started and I am bending in places I never thought I could. A work in me that is continually being tested and many tears along the way. It hurts to bend and have to change. His work in me has been such a challenge for me. Learning to yield to him daily!! Looking at all the blessings he has given, even in the valleys. Letting go of everything I am, and surrendering to the LORD. Completely depending on him for everything in my life, I mean everything. I need to know his will for my life, not mine? I am still struggling and in such pain trying to find the answers. I have been told by family, friends, and a few that I have met along the way that I have a gift of writing and speaking, that I need to tell my stories. I laugh and say "I am not a writer nor could I ever stand in front of a crowd of people and speak and let my stories be revealed. I am waiting for the Lord to reveal his will for my life. Too many times have I ran way ahead of the Father without finding out his will. I will patiently be waiting and resting in him.
What I "want" and the "Fathers will" for my life are 2 very different things. Prayer, prayer, prayer, and going to his word daily!! This is how we find the answers the Lord has for each of our lives.
I am a very black and white person. Its hard for me to see things the way I should. I want the Lord to just speak right in my ear or write a note explaining " Anita, this is what I want for you and this is what you need to do!" Well, it never seems to workout the way I think it should. LOL. I know he is looking down on me thinking, she will get it, eventually. Bending, but not broken!!!! GOSH!!! It hurts to change and be transformed!!!! We as a family have been challenged over the past couple of years, yet had so many wonderful things have happen. Death of my father 20 months ago, the incredible journey my dad took me down and seeing heaven through his eyes, family relationships strained, a long adoption search, my 3 daughters asking Jesus to come live in their hearts!!! YES!!! I could go on and on!! I am so thankful for the Shepherd leaving the flock to get me back on track. How awesome to think that he would leave the entire flock to find the one that was in jeopardy! He has never left me!! I was the one who fell and thought I could get up on my own. HAH!! I can do nothing without the Father!!! I don't want to do anything without him.
In closing, we hear so much in the media these days about physical health and how we all need to do a better job with taking care of ourselves. Exercise, eating the right things, and maintaining a healthy weight. I just have to smile deep down because inside the house, our souls "spirits" need conditioning too. Yet, in the media, we don't hear anyone talking about this or how important it is for each of us. We are in a society that does not openly teach how to do this! This is the most important part in me because it will last me for eternity!!!!! I get one shot to get my spirit ready for forever!!! Sit back and think about this for a minute? It blows my mind!!! :)
I challenge myself daily to push through fear and learn to let the Father carry me!! Surrendering to him daily!!! Its a process and one that is worked on continually. I truly want his will, nothing more, nothing less!!!
Have a blessed day everyone!!
Love, Anita
What I "want" and the "Fathers will" for my life are 2 very different things. Prayer, prayer, prayer, and going to his word daily!! This is how we find the answers the Lord has for each of our lives.
I am a very black and white person. Its hard for me to see things the way I should. I want the Lord to just speak right in my ear or write a note explaining " Anita, this is what I want for you and this is what you need to do!" Well, it never seems to workout the way I think it should. LOL. I know he is looking down on me thinking, she will get it, eventually. Bending, but not broken!!!! GOSH!!! It hurts to change and be transformed!!!! We as a family have been challenged over the past couple of years, yet had so many wonderful things have happen. Death of my father 20 months ago, the incredible journey my dad took me down and seeing heaven through his eyes, family relationships strained, a long adoption search, my 3 daughters asking Jesus to come live in their hearts!!! YES!!! I could go on and on!! I am so thankful for the Shepherd leaving the flock to get me back on track. How awesome to think that he would leave the entire flock to find the one that was in jeopardy! He has never left me!! I was the one who fell and thought I could get up on my own. HAH!! I can do nothing without the Father!!! I don't want to do anything without him.
In closing, we hear so much in the media these days about physical health and how we all need to do a better job with taking care of ourselves. Exercise, eating the right things, and maintaining a healthy weight. I just have to smile deep down because inside the house, our souls "spirits" need conditioning too. Yet, in the media, we don't hear anyone talking about this or how important it is for each of us. We are in a society that does not openly teach how to do this! This is the most important part in me because it will last me for eternity!!!!! I get one shot to get my spirit ready for forever!!! Sit back and think about this for a minute? It blows my mind!!! :)
I challenge myself daily to push through fear and learn to let the Father carry me!! Surrendering to him daily!!! Its a process and one that is worked on continually. I truly want his will, nothing more, nothing less!!!
Have a blessed day everyone!!
Love, Anita
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Worry....why?
I tend to be a bit of a worrier sometimes. I concern myself with all sorts of things throughout the course of the day. I worry about the kids at school, I worry about my spouse, I worry about how other people may view me as a person, am I getting enough done throughout the day, I worry about work and money....who doesn't do that on a daily basis, right? Well, this morning I prayed and opened my Bible to a passage that really worked on my heart. I like to read in the book of Psalm a lot. There are passages for everything in there. Today I was led to Psalm 41. I underline things in my Bible from time to time when my heart feels the need. As I was reading this Psalm, I turned the page and found that I had apparently read this before and underlined some important verses. Reading over these again I felt a renewed sense of God's presence in my life.
David acknowledges God's power, seeks forgiveness, tells of his troubles, and praises God for His mercy and love. The verses that stood out for me were 41:10-13. "But you, O Lord, be merciful to me, and raise me up, That I may repay them. By this I know that you are well pleased with me, because my enemy does not triumph over me. As for me, you uphold me in my integrity, and set me before your face forever. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting! Amen and Amen."
As I said before, I sometimes worry about how other people may view me as a person. Do they think that I work hard, that I am a good mom or wife....or do they secretly judge me? Clearly in God's word it states that "you uphold me in my integrity." I looked up the word integrity in the Merriam-Webster dictionary and found some interesting definitions:
1) A firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values
2) An unimpaired condition
3) The quality or state of being complete or undivided
Perhaps the combination of the three is intriguing. My enemy will not triumph over me whatever that enemy may be....worry, stress, work, people or any number of things. Living for God is so rewarding. I know what it means to me and I have found that as long as I hold fast to what I believe and what I am taught from the Bible then I really have nothing to worry about!
Blessings to all,
Latasha
"But, seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." Matthew 6:33-34
David acknowledges God's power, seeks forgiveness, tells of his troubles, and praises God for His mercy and love. The verses that stood out for me were 41:10-13. "But you, O Lord, be merciful to me, and raise me up, That I may repay them. By this I know that you are well pleased with me, because my enemy does not triumph over me. As for me, you uphold me in my integrity, and set me before your face forever. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting! Amen and Amen."
As I said before, I sometimes worry about how other people may view me as a person. Do they think that I work hard, that I am a good mom or wife....or do they secretly judge me? Clearly in God's word it states that "you uphold me in my integrity." I looked up the word integrity in the Merriam-Webster dictionary and found some interesting definitions:
1) A firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values
2) An unimpaired condition
3) The quality or state of being complete or undivided
Perhaps the combination of the three is intriguing. My enemy will not triumph over me whatever that enemy may be....worry, stress, work, people or any number of things. Living for God is so rewarding. I know what it means to me and I have found that as long as I hold fast to what I believe and what I am taught from the Bible then I really have nothing to worry about!
Blessings to all,
Latasha
"But, seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." Matthew 6:33-34
Friday, March 30, 2012
Breakfast with the King
I'm sure that many of you juggle the numerous daily tasks of caring for children, keeping the house in order, and working. More women work outside of the home now than even 10 years ago. It seems like it takes two incomes in most cases to keep a household going. No one knows better about how to multi-task than a woman. Not to say that men can't handle it, just women seem to be a little better at it. Speaking of multi-tasking, I spend my time reading my Bible in the mornings. After the kids are off to school and there is peace and quiet in the house I am able to focus on the words of my Lord. I have a favorite chair that I sit in near the window where the sunlight peeks through the blinds and illuminates my Bible like a highlighter pen from God. I usually prepare my breakfast before I sit down to study and yesterday it dawned on me, I am having breakfast with the King. I initially started doing things this way because it saved time for me to do two things at once and now it has become a great habit for me. I get my Bible study in as well as my breakfast. I am not distracted by how hungry I am feeling or how I need to hurry and get my studies done so that I can rush off to the next task. It's just me having coffee and breakfast with God's word. I used to think that I didn't have time to study in the mornings. I know that for me, starting the day with scripture helps me to get in the right frame of mind for the day. Other people study at night and rest peacefully in the words of the Bible. There is no right or wrong way to go about it, just as long as you do it. Sometimes tweaking your schedule a bit can allow time for lots of things.
Blessings to all,
Latasha
"If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory." Colossians 3:1-4
Blessings to all,
Latasha
"If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory." Colossians 3:1-4
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Just being mom
About a year ago our Sunday School class went through the Financial Peace University series by Dave Ramsey for a second time. We all really enjoyed the series and quite frankly, who couldn't use financial advice from a professional? We'll take all we can get. One of the things that has stayed stuck in my mind since that series is a question that he asked toward the end of the videos. If money didn't matter and you could do anything you wanted for a living, what would you do? I have pondered my answer to this question so many times that I have lost count. You see, I am one of those people that has more ideas than money. I can come up with what I think are the most amazing ideas and plan out all the ways in which to execute them only to be stopped by the factor of money. I have prayed many times asking God's will in my life and I feel so lost. Then I started thinking about that question again. What would I do if money didn't matter?
I have discovered that the things I enjoy the most are: getting up with the kids in the morning and actually sitting down for breakfast before school. Having dinner at the table with my family every night. I enjoy my quiet time during the day while they are gone. I like to read fiction books. I enjoy cooking, decorating cakes and cookies (although I'm no pro at it) and preparing meals for my family. I love making crafts and fun things for teacher gifts. I want to be more involved in my kids school activities. I like to enjoy the fresh air in the morning with a bike ride, a walk, or a run. I love spring time. I love to read a Bible story with my kids at bedtime. So, where does that lead me in answer of the question? I guess I just enjoy being a mom. Too bad moms don't make paychecks huh? I feel good when the house is clean and laundry is all caught up for the family. I like the fact that I don't feel the stress of "work" when I am just being a mom. I am my own boss and if things don't get done, I only have myself to blame. I may not know God's plan for my life but, I do know that I feel good when I am just being a mom. In the book of Proverbs, God tells us to "train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." So, if I spend my time teaching my children about God's word then they will hold on to that from now on. When they hear me praying for them, or see me turning to the Bible for daily devotion or comfort in times of trouble and inspiration in times of renewal, they will do the same. Raising kids can be a struggle and I may not always do it "right" but, I try to do it according to God's will so that they will have a good foundation to build on.
Blessings to all,
Latasha
"She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 'many daughters have done well, but you excel them all.' Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates." Proverbs 31:27-31
I have discovered that the things I enjoy the most are: getting up with the kids in the morning and actually sitting down for breakfast before school. Having dinner at the table with my family every night. I enjoy my quiet time during the day while they are gone. I like to read fiction books. I enjoy cooking, decorating cakes and cookies (although I'm no pro at it) and preparing meals for my family. I love making crafts and fun things for teacher gifts. I want to be more involved in my kids school activities. I like to enjoy the fresh air in the morning with a bike ride, a walk, or a run. I love spring time. I love to read a Bible story with my kids at bedtime. So, where does that lead me in answer of the question? I guess I just enjoy being a mom. Too bad moms don't make paychecks huh? I feel good when the house is clean and laundry is all caught up for the family. I like the fact that I don't feel the stress of "work" when I am just being a mom. I am my own boss and if things don't get done, I only have myself to blame. I may not know God's plan for my life but, I do know that I feel good when I am just being a mom. In the book of Proverbs, God tells us to "train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." So, if I spend my time teaching my children about God's word then they will hold on to that from now on. When they hear me praying for them, or see me turning to the Bible for daily devotion or comfort in times of trouble and inspiration in times of renewal, they will do the same. Raising kids can be a struggle and I may not always do it "right" but, I try to do it according to God's will so that they will have a good foundation to build on.
Blessings to all,
Latasha
"She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 'many daughters have done well, but you excel them all.' Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates." Proverbs 31:27-31
Monday, March 26, 2012
The Bible is my GPS
Last week was spring break here for our schools and my kids have made a tradition of spending time with their grandmother (my mom) during that week. She lives in Texas so we usually meet halfway for the drop off/pick up. The kids had a wonderful week with their grandparents and got to do lots of fun and amazing things. When Friday rolled around it was time for me to meet up with them and bring the kiddos home. Now, anyone who knows me knows that I am a little ditsy and prone to getting lost very easily. I even use my GPS in Oklahoma City sometimes to get from one shopping place to the next. So I rely heavily on directions from my little friend. The kids and I call her Lola (like in the movie RV). We love Lola, she can always find where we are, and then helps us get exactly where we are going. Anyway, I plugged Lola in and set my destination so that she could instruct me on every turn and exit. Then I waited for her to obtain the GPS signal so that we could get started. I made it safe and sound to the Oklahoma/Texas line and picked up the kids. After enjoying good conversation with my mom and step-dad we hopped in the car and headed back home.
On long road trips I get a lot of time to think about things and it dawned on me how similar the Bible is to a GPS. God knows our hearts and He knows where we should start. He finds our GPS location and sends the signal to us. Then He leads us to the places in the Bible that we need to focus on to become better Christians, better parents, better spouses, and so on. Just this morning I was reading in the book of Malachi. I never really just open the Bible to the book of Malachi for whatever reason but, today God called me to start in chapter one. I discovered how similar the world is now in comparison to Israel then. So many times tithes may be what is left over after the bills are paid. Our study time may be whatever we can "squeeze" in during our busy day. There may be no real devotion to our study of God's word. The people of Israel were sacrificing lame animals that were of no real use. They were offering the bread in a defiled manner. They were not giving their best to God so what was the real sacrifice. You know, God sent his one and only, perfect, blameless, sinless son to die in our place. The least we can do is to give God our best. He deserves that and even more. God doesn't want our leftovers. I know that I could never fathom giving either of my sons up for anyone else for any reason. Yet, God did that for us and Jesus took that burden because He loves us unconditionally. I hope one day to be able to stand at my masters feet and humbly bow and thank Him for loving me that much.
Blessings to all,
Latasha
"'For from the rising of the sun, even to its going down, my name shall be great among the Gentiles; in every place incense shall be offered to my name, and a pure offering; for my name shall be great among the nations', says the Lord of hosts." Malachi 1:11
On long road trips I get a lot of time to think about things and it dawned on me how similar the Bible is to a GPS. God knows our hearts and He knows where we should start. He finds our GPS location and sends the signal to us. Then He leads us to the places in the Bible that we need to focus on to become better Christians, better parents, better spouses, and so on. Just this morning I was reading in the book of Malachi. I never really just open the Bible to the book of Malachi for whatever reason but, today God called me to start in chapter one. I discovered how similar the world is now in comparison to Israel then. So many times tithes may be what is left over after the bills are paid. Our study time may be whatever we can "squeeze" in during our busy day. There may be no real devotion to our study of God's word. The people of Israel were sacrificing lame animals that were of no real use. They were offering the bread in a defiled manner. They were not giving their best to God so what was the real sacrifice. You know, God sent his one and only, perfect, blameless, sinless son to die in our place. The least we can do is to give God our best. He deserves that and even more. God doesn't want our leftovers. I know that I could never fathom giving either of my sons up for anyone else for any reason. Yet, God did that for us and Jesus took that burden because He loves us unconditionally. I hope one day to be able to stand at my masters feet and humbly bow and thank Him for loving me that much.
Blessings to all,
Latasha
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Out of Shape!
For those of you who read our blog regularly you know I am the health nut who recently battled a kidney stone. All is well now and the stone is gone. One of the difficulties I faced was the fact that I was unable to exercise as strenuously as I had up to that point. Well, once I got the all clear from the urologist (the kidney doctor) I got the bright idea to pick up with exercise right where I left off. Oh! I should really think before I act! I bought a mountain bike around the first of February and I had been riding a little prior to my stone so, I decided to hop on the ole bike and take off for a healthy spin. I wear a heart rate monitor when I workout (thanks to research and suggestions from Anita) and I have a range that I try to stay in for aerobic burn. Off I went on my journey. I rode around one of my old neighborhoods that I thought would be fairly easy. There were some hills but nothing that I felt I couldn't handle. Boy was I wrong. I huffed and puffed and pedaled and sweat for 30 minutes up hills that were never that difficult when I was better physically conditioned. My heart rate monitor beeped at me like it was begging for mercy from the constant upward battle I was attempting and I came to the realization that the 3 weeks I had not been able to exercise had left me very out of shape.
I compare my bike riding experience to the times I have neglected my Bible study. Maybe that sounds strange but, it's true. It seems like some days can start out so busy and I fail to start with my study time. It's easy to get our spiritual lives out of shape just like we get out of shape physically. I never mean to neglect my study time although, I have learned that I do allow other things to get in the way of it sometimes. When things are going well I seem to place my studies on the back burner however, when the going gets tough the Bible is the first place I go. I know this is not the way Jesus intended our relationship to be so, how do we get back in shape? Open our Bibles daily and read, study, pray, ask questions, go to church and fellowship with other Christians. Just like exercising with a buddy can help us be more accountable, so does surrounding ourselves with other Christians. I may not be perfect every day but I am working on my spiritual muscles too!
"For you were bought for a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit which are God's." 1 Corinthians 6:20
Blessings to all,
Latasha
I compare my bike riding experience to the times I have neglected my Bible study. Maybe that sounds strange but, it's true. It seems like some days can start out so busy and I fail to start with my study time. It's easy to get our spiritual lives out of shape just like we get out of shape physically. I never mean to neglect my study time although, I have learned that I do allow other things to get in the way of it sometimes. When things are going well I seem to place my studies on the back burner however, when the going gets tough the Bible is the first place I go. I know this is not the way Jesus intended our relationship to be so, how do we get back in shape? Open our Bibles daily and read, study, pray, ask questions, go to church and fellowship with other Christians. Just like exercising with a buddy can help us be more accountable, so does surrounding ourselves with other Christians. I may not be perfect every day but I am working on my spiritual muscles too!
"For you were bought for a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit which are God's." 1 Corinthians 6:20
Blessings to all,
Latasha
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Viewing the Blessings of Life!!!!!
I asked the coach the other day, what he thought a "blessing" meant? How he viewed a blessing? I like to trip him up every once in awhile, and it makes things really fun for me at times. :) He is not a deep thinker, outwardly speaking and I am. His response, was simple " it's something good that happens." I went further saying what if the circumstances where much different and it was something bad, yet turned into something good? What about that? Would you still consider this a blessing? His response, "yes I would." Romans 8:28 " And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them."
Each of us has stories to tell of trials, blessings, and battles that we each have faced in our lives. My mom had a saying in her kitchen that I still have to this day. " Happiness is found along the way, not at the end of the road!" I think it is how one views the circumstance and then the end result? I chose to look at daily struggles and trials as blessings. I know without a doubt that God does not withhold anything, unless he has something perfect in mind later down the road. I have been in those valleys of life and sometimes feel I am there daily!
The coach and I have been praying for a very long time for direction and for God to open doors in our family and his job. Its very easy to look at everyone else and see their blessings but when you are feeling like nothing is happening, it becomes difficult to realize the blessings when they do come. Little or big!!A blessing is a gift!!! Be grateful and thankful!!! So many can't or won't ever realize when they are blessed and they miss it.
I love photography!! I am learning more about it everyday. I am always trying to capture that one beautuful picture. I might take hundreds of photos to find only a few that are breath-taking!! Well, my middle daughter Katie has a hidden talent that we have come to discover!! She shot this beautiful photo of the Northwest Oklahoma sky one evening at our house! This is a blessing to me!!!
Have a great day everyone, Anita
Each of us has stories to tell of trials, blessings, and battles that we each have faced in our lives. My mom had a saying in her kitchen that I still have to this day. " Happiness is found along the way, not at the end of the road!" I think it is how one views the circumstance and then the end result? I chose to look at daily struggles and trials as blessings. I know without a doubt that God does not withhold anything, unless he has something perfect in mind later down the road. I have been in those valleys of life and sometimes feel I am there daily!
The coach and I have been praying for a very long time for direction and for God to open doors in our family and his job. Its very easy to look at everyone else and see their blessings but when you are feeling like nothing is happening, it becomes difficult to realize the blessings when they do come. Little or big!!A blessing is a gift!!! Be grateful and thankful!!! So many can't or won't ever realize when they are blessed and they miss it.
Have a great day everyone, Anita
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Whirlwind
What a whirlwind couple of weeks! Our lives have been turned upside down and inside out recently. The emergency room has become our most popular stop lately. My husband has had trouble the last couple of months and ended up in the ER last week. Thank God the diagnosis was anxiety and everything checked out ok with regards to his heart, so far. He is still set up to see the cardiologist and get a thorough check out so prayers for this situation definetly.
And I woke up Tuesday with a twinge of pain in my left lower abdomen. This pain gradually got worse over the course of several minutes and became a sharp, stabbing, constant pain that was unrelieved by any movement or change in position. I walked from the bedroom to the bathroom and back again. I tried to lay down, I tried to stand up, I tried to walk, I tried everything with no relief. Nausea kicked in so I knew that trying to take medicine was out of the question unless I wanted to see it again. So, high ho, high ho, off to the ER we go. Turns out I have an 8mm kidney stone sitting in the tube just outside my kidney. The chances of this thing passing are slim and the option I have is surgery to break it up and put a stent in my kidney. Now, I don't mind the break it up part, I can deal with that just fine. It's the stent from my kidney to my bladder that is the problem. I know I should probably just not worry about it but, it is a major organ. I have about 48 hours left to pass this thing on my own still so, we'll see what happens.
In church this morning our pastor talked about facing crisis. Do we face it with fear or with faith? I was very emotional this morning during our services and found myself tearing up during our song service. A few hymns into the morning I trekked to the bathroom choking back the tears and frustration. I am scared and have so many questions. Being a nurse has not made this process easier because I have seen the other side of the situation and all the complications that can go along with a so called "simple" procedure. I was feeling very sorry for myself, frustrated and afraid. Needless to say, this sermon hit home and it hit hard. So many times I have said how I don't want to go through all this and I am too busy to be sick or have surgery. This may be God's way of saying slow down and trust me. Psalm 122:8 tells us "For the sake of my brothers and friends, I will say, 'Peace be within you.'" I am learning that satan will sneak into our lives wherever and whenever he can, and that I can handle this situation with God's help. I have spent a lot of time in prayer and I am holding on to the fact that how ever the situation turns out, it is God's will for my life.
Blessings to all,
Latasha
And I woke up Tuesday with a twinge of pain in my left lower abdomen. This pain gradually got worse over the course of several minutes and became a sharp, stabbing, constant pain that was unrelieved by any movement or change in position. I walked from the bedroom to the bathroom and back again. I tried to lay down, I tried to stand up, I tried to walk, I tried everything with no relief. Nausea kicked in so I knew that trying to take medicine was out of the question unless I wanted to see it again. So, high ho, high ho, off to the ER we go. Turns out I have an 8mm kidney stone sitting in the tube just outside my kidney. The chances of this thing passing are slim and the option I have is surgery to break it up and put a stent in my kidney. Now, I don't mind the break it up part, I can deal with that just fine. It's the stent from my kidney to my bladder that is the problem. I know I should probably just not worry about it but, it is a major organ. I have about 48 hours left to pass this thing on my own still so, we'll see what happens.
In church this morning our pastor talked about facing crisis. Do we face it with fear or with faith? I was very emotional this morning during our services and found myself tearing up during our song service. A few hymns into the morning I trekked to the bathroom choking back the tears and frustration. I am scared and have so many questions. Being a nurse has not made this process easier because I have seen the other side of the situation and all the complications that can go along with a so called "simple" procedure. I was feeling very sorry for myself, frustrated and afraid. Needless to say, this sermon hit home and it hit hard. So many times I have said how I don't want to go through all this and I am too busy to be sick or have surgery. This may be God's way of saying slow down and trust me. Psalm 122:8 tells us "For the sake of my brothers and friends, I will say, 'Peace be within you.'" I am learning that satan will sneak into our lives wherever and whenever he can, and that I can handle this situation with God's help. I have spent a lot of time in prayer and I am holding on to the fact that how ever the situation turns out, it is God's will for my life.
Blessings to all,
Latasha
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