To Have and To Hold...

It's not our anniversary, and Father's Day has passed, but I wanted to contribute this post to my husband. I love him dearly.

faithful

encourager

Christian

emotionally available

comical

patient

devoted

Be Still Sunday

In One Word...

Thanks Linda for the tag. This meme comes at a perfect time because I was somewhat dry on what to post. Here goes...

1. Where is your cell phone? charging
2. Your significant other? hubbie
3. Your hair? strawberry
4. Your mother? gentle
5. Your father? giving
6. Your favorite thing? Christmas
7. Your dream last night? interrupted
8. Your favorite drink? water
9. Your dream/goal? travel
10. The room you’re in? office
11. Your church? loving
12. Your fear? assault
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? happy
14. Where were you last night? home
15. What you’re not? confrontational
16. Muffins? chocolate
17. One of your wish list items? GPS
18. Where you grew up? south
19. The last thing you did? laundry
20. What are you wearing? shorts
21. Your TV? off
22. Your pets? dog
23. Your computer? resourceful
24. Your life? blessed
25. Your mood? content
26. Missing someone? grandparents
27. Your car? Honda
28. Something you’re not wearing? grudge
29. Favorite store? discount
30. Your summer? pleasant
31. Like(love) someone? family
32. Your favorite color? soothing
33. Last time you laughed? today
34. Last time you cried? awhile
35. Who will repost this? my sister

The directions are simple. Answer the questions using only one word. Aimee:-Tag You're It. Get that blog updated! Not specifically tagged? Jump right in!

Natalie, Natalie, Quite Contrary. How Does Your Garden Grow?

...not with silver bells nor cockle shells but pretty zinnias all in a row!

It is time for me to show some [proud] updates on tales from around the garden. In no particular order...

1. The sunflowers. Just stalky stems when I planted them, now are bursting towards the noonday sky. I can only imagine the sun looking down and returning the smile from these cheery blossoms.

2. My Pot-O-Miscellaneous. I was given a hodgepodge of sprouts and roots from a friend from which I planted together. When planted, each having their own spot in the pot. They are now fighting for elbow room. Just like siblings.

3. The Nester. I finally got a clear picture of the one who's taken up residency atop the drainage pipe. If only we could charge for rent.

4. The Zinnias. These now strong stems have alleviated my personal insecurities that I can't grow flowers. Now that I look at it, I think my thumb is turning a light shade of green. Wait...no...that's left-over dried green beans from baby's lunch. Darn.

5. Fact of Life. This, my friends, is the result of going on vacation. There is only one word to describe this bleak disaster...dead. Oh well. Ya grow some ya loose some.

The Greatest of These is Love

According to Webster's Dictionary, civil rights is defined as "rights of all people to equal treatment."

Memphis is home to the National Civil Rights Museum. The museum is housed inside what is known as The Lorraine Motel, which gained national popularity as the very place Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated. Each visitor to the museum is led on a progressive journey through the history and background of African Americans, beginning with slavery and oppression to civil freedom.

It was a very uncomfortable journey for me. It's very easy to ignore the fact that such horrific violence took place between various people groups, genders and races. The realism of this civil rights movement somehow easily gets lost inside the pages of a high school history textbook. But to actually see photographs and newspaper articles, personal letters, articles of clothing, even video clips made the experience so alive and powerful.

Not actually living through the 1950s and 1960s, it is very difficult for me to understand why such things occurred. There was such a fear among people. A fear of change. A fear of diversity. I couldn't help but wonder how I would have reacted to such change. Would I be among the ones standing in a protest picket line, shouting out in anger? Would I be among the brave who embraced a chance to reach out a loving hand? Maybe I would have tried to avoid any type of confrontation from either side, keeping to myself.

There is such an admiration and respect I have for those individuals who stood up for what they believed to be just and right. Not being exclusive to one particular race, many people willingly risked their lives each day, working toward the greater cause of mankind. All the while, my mind keeps repeating the second greatest commandment Jesus instituted: "Love your neighbor as yourself". Matthew 22:38

Would I be able to love someone who violated so much of my humanity and well-being? My instinct would be to retaliate in anger and revenge. How did Jesus find continual love in His heart for those who hurled hateful insults at Him, or rudely spat in his face? I'd like to think that I could do the same, however, honestly down in my deepest soul, I don't know that I could have found such love and forgiveness.

Hatred, prejudice, and violence will never disappear. As long as sin is prevalent, such acts will always be present. We may not be able to control such actions around us, however we do have the freedom to decide how we will respond. When faced with adversaries, let us be reminded of the greatest model of love and forgiveness that was shown, Jesus Christ, Himself.

Walking in Memphis

Walking In Memphis

Lyrics by Marc Cohn in blue

Put on my blue suede shoes

And I boarded the plane

Touched down in the land of the Delta Blues

In the middle of the pouring rain

Well, I don't own any blue suede shoes, nor did I board a plane (saw one, though), but I did visit the land of the Delta Blues and it only rained one day.

Walking in Memphis

Walking with my feet ten feet off of the Beale

Walking in Memphis

Do I really feel the way I feel

I was walking in Memphis this past week. Definitely heard the blues while strolling down Beale Street which does have a special "feel".

W.C. Handy -- won't you look down over me

Cause I got a first class ticket

But I'm as blue as a boy can be

I did get to see W.C Handy's home which has been relocated in the middle of a parking lot close to Beale Street. Randomness. Although the blues were all around, I was having a great time.

Saw the ghost of Elvis on Union Avenue

Followed him up to the gates of Graceland

Then I watched him walk right through

Now security they did not see him

They just hovered 'round his tomb

But there's a pretty little thing waiting on the King

Down in the Jungle Room

Now I didn't see Elvis on Union Avenue, however I do think I saw him at Graceland. Or was that someone else? Actually, we were surrounded by Elvis'. It is quite difficult to believe that he is dead when there are billboards all around that promote Graceland as "The Place Where Elvis Lives." Regardless of your own personal preference of belief, Graceland was definitely worth the stop.

They've got catfish on the table

They've got gospel in the air

And Reverend Green be glad to see you

When you haven't got a prayer

But you got a prayer in Memphis

Catfish was very much available on the menu but we got our fill of world famous ribs and BBQ. Marlowe's and The Rendezvous were two of the personal favorite hang-out joints. I definitely needed a prayer when I sunk my teeth into the most sinful Mississippi Mud Pie I have ever eaten! I don't think even Reverend Green could have made that chocolate blessed to eat! Yummy!

Now Muriel plays piano every Friday at the Hollywood

And they brought me down to see her

And they asked me if I would --Do a little number

And I sang with all my might

And she said --
"Tell me are you a Christian child?"

And I said "Ma'am I am tonight"

I didn't meet Muriel nor went to The Hollywood but I'm sure it would have added to the Memphis experience. If she asked me if I was a Christian Child, I would proudly say, "Ma'am I am for always."

Cause I was walkin' in Memphis...

The Light and Dark Of It All

We are back.

What a wonderful time of family togetherness and relaxation. Usually I have something to show for being at the beach, whether it be a sun-kissed semi-tan or a sunburn. This time around I came back about at white as I came. Yes, it's a proud accomplishment, I know. If you're curious as to how it's done, the secret lies in the constant hovering under the beach umbrella-even at 5:00 P.M.(Thanks for your help, Cabana Boy. Sorry for all the trouble.) AND the constant application of sunblock 80 SPF. Those two are enough to turn even the darkest skin white. Did you even know they made sunscreen that high? Oh, they do and for that I am so grateful.

I spent the majority of my time hosing myself down with this UVA protectant covering or making sure my little one was bathed in it as well. I generously offered to share my sunscreen with my Pocahontas Princess sis-in-law but she just laughed. Sorry if we all aren't favored by the sun-gods.

Although the jellyfish were quite present in the ocean waters, we continued to enjoy the sun and sand. There is something so therapeutic about the sound of the ocean and the smell of the salty air. I freely admit that I couldn't live at the ocean, for sand on my floor would drive me completely bonkers, however I look forward to that annual retreat to the shore.

Vacation is wonderful, but there is no place like home.

Be Still Sunday

Checking In

Just another quick post to say that I am still away but checking in. We had a great time at the beach and are now at another exciting destination. I have to quickly add that hubby got a great first Father's Day present. Our little man took his first steps this past Sunday! The only negative part was that daddy wasn't there to witness this new "step" in life. I know, I know...cheesy. The three of us had to briefly part ways, me and baby staying with grandparents, hubby traveling back to work for a couple days. However, tonight we will be reunited for daddy to see his little man get just a little bit taller. A part of me keeps crying tears of joy and sadness.

Be Still Sunday

Woman's Retreat

This past Saturday was our church's Annual Woman's Retreat. I was asked back in February if I'd consider being this year's speaker. I was so humbled by the invitation and accepted with great excitement and anticipation. The Lord provided us with pleasant weather and a cooling breeze. The whole worship experience was so reverent and powerful.

The theme verse was referenced after the book of Isaiah 52:7, "How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, 'Your God reigns!'" 

The song "You Raise Me Up" by Josh Groban was sung. To hear the song, click here. Proceeding the song was my message to the woman. Below is a copy as follows.

The Mountain Top. The theme for this year's woman's retreat. When I hear that phrase my mind ventures to recapture personal moments I've had on a mountain top. In the fall of 1998, my family and I took an all day hiking trip to Mt.Leconte in Tennessee. The journey was long and very traitorous at times. Many stops were needed for water, to cool off, or just to sit. After almost 10 hours of hiking, we were there. The top. I immediately had to sit down. For one, my legs were completely given out. For two, I had to soak in this feeling of accomplishment. As I sat on that ledge, I recount my surroundings even now. I can hear the whispers of the birds that chirp back and forth. I can feel the fresh breeze running along my face. I can see into the far distance that reveals the art work from God's palette. I can smell the vibrant fragrances of trees and flowers. And yes, I can also hear the buzzing of those pesky mosquitoes that seemingly have a special preference for me. The Mountain Top. A wonderful place to be.

Although times at the top are often preferred, we must be reminded of our journey to that summit. The only way to reach the top is to journey from the bottom, what some might refer to as a valley. In various literary texts, a valley is not always reflected as a place of preferred dwelling. King David refers to a valley as a low state of life in the 23rd Psalm, "As I walk through the valley of the shadow of death". Contemporary Christian band, Jars of Clay, references a negative feeling to being in a valley in their song, "The Valley Song". The lyrics say, "I will sing of Your mercy that leads me through valleys of sorrow". Even famous poet, Edgar Allan Poe wrote a lamenting piece entitled "The Valley of Unrest". In this poem he writes, "Now each visitor shall confess the sad valley's restlessness." The Valley. Often a difficult place to be.

In this life, we are either on that glorious mountain high, down deep in the valley low, or on that ordinary journey between the two. When I reflect back on my life, I am reminded of two closely related instances that are examples of these two extremities.

In the summer of 2006, my husband and I were vacationing at the beach. After another completed school year of teaching first grade, this family get-away was much anticipated and needed. What was supposed to be a relaxing time, proved to be quite the opposite. While at the beach, I noticed something was "not quite right." Being 11 weeks pregnant at the time, I called my doctor back home, and based upon our conversation, she suggested that I go to a local hospital right away. After waiting 3 hours in the emergency room, we later discovered that we had miscarried. Holding each other tightly, we just wept. Time was frozen, all the while, tears of pain and sorrow ran down our faces. My heart was filled with such deep hurt and confusion that I had never felt before. We agreed it would be best for me to be admitted into the hospital that night for surgery. Not ever having been through surgery before, I was terrified. Simply terrified. My husband would also agree that it was one of the scariest times in his own life. It happened so fast that our family wasn't able to be there, which left him alone. Alone in his own pain from the recent loss, and also with the fear of losing me during surgery. After I was dismissed from the hospital, we had the choice to go home early, or finish out our vacation week. We decided to stay. Time much needed to grieve, discuss, and pray together. That as one of the lowest valleys of my life.

Once in the valley there is only one way to go...up. After much prayer and support from friends, family, and the church, we began to cope with our loss. Not that time has a way of healing, for I will always remember the emotional sting, however, time does have a way of helping us cope with the pain from which is caused from loss. Continuing to stay involved in church activities, and getting ready for a fresh new year of teaching, I once again found equilibrium in my life. Things were beginning to look up.

A few months later, we were ecstatic to discover that we were pregnant once again. With an over-joyed heart, I couldn't help but be reminded of the miscarriage. What if...

My husband is, and was, such a strong point in my life during that time. He was a constant encourager and reminder to me that despite all circumstances, with God's strength, we will face all things together. Those 9 months were the most precious and treasured time of my life. How could life get much better than this? On July 10, 2007 at 4:07 P.M., we welcomed into this world our son. The nurse immediately put him on my chest and with my husband's arms tightly around us, we cried together...all three of us. This time, tears of joy. Tears of elation. Tears of thankfulness. We were standing atop the mountain high, overwhelmed and humbled.

If it's one thing I've learned from these two experiences, crying seems to be closely related to both levels of elevation. More importantly in both places, God was present. It would only be appropriate for me to complete Psalm 23, "As I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, thou art with me." "Thou art with me." It seems that throughout this life, we are constantly experiencing one of three places: The mountain top, the valley low, or the journey between the two. Often it's the times we spend dwelling in the valley, that makes up appreciate the times we are standing tall on the ledge of that summit. For I know in this life, more valleys are inevitable. But I have the comfort and reassurance that I will not be alone.

My dear sisters in Christ, which ever place you are in life this very moment, I hope you find the comfort in knowing that God is our sustainer. He never promised it would be an easy journey, for bumps and bruises are guaranteed. A rest break is often needed. But he did promise that He'd never leave nor forsake us. He provides the comfort we need through our friends, family, and church. Thanks be to God, we are never alone.

Still Away

FYI- Still on vacation. Just found some time to write a few posts. The ocean calls me once again. Tootles...

Be Still Sunday

Leave of Absence

It's that time of year...vacay! Yes, after the Women's Retreat this Saturday, we are packing up the family truckster and heading towards the beach. I've been sporadic-packing for a week now. Okay, maybe not packing but throwing essential items in a pile as they come to my mind. It's really not as organized as it seems.

I have bid fare-well to my pre-baby beach bod and am embracing a new-mothered sporty look with a tankini and skirt! Stretch marks are about as much eye-candy as men's Speedos. My eyes will definitely bypass both and gaze oh-so lazily out into the deep blue ocean.

We will be joining our family which provides the wonderful amenity of free babysitting service. Love ya, fam! I can taste the salty breeze of freedom already. After any day at the beach or where humidity is predominately present, I am cover model ready for "Girls-Hair-Gone-Wild!" No matter, because I'm on vacation. No pressures.

I've been reflecting on my pre/post baby beach days. I'm not sure if it's getting older that changes things or when you have a baby you just manage to get by. None-the-less, below is a comparison between my pre/post baby beach days.

Pre-Baby:
Beach prep-work: essential and non-negotiable
Tanning: Tanning bed before the beach, duh!
Work-outs at the gym: At least 6 months prior to beach, no less.
Bathing Suit Condition: New, even though last seasons is perfectly fine.
Sun-Block: I'm already tan. Bring on the oil!

Post-Baby:
Beach-Prep Work: None. Just get the baby's stuff packed!
Tanning: Pasty white skin
Work-Outs at the Gym: Does carrying a baby around the house count?
Bathing Suit Condition: Last years cover-up with skirt
Sun-Block: 50+SPF

My skinny, already golden tan sis-in-law can just find a lounge chair on the other side of the sand. Just kidding, Brit. Love ya!

So, I bid you farewell for now, with hopes of returning non-sunburned and hair-dehumidified. Bring out those thongs...

SANDALS!

Really, people. Did you even read this post?

Be Still Sunday

Welcome to Married to the Preacher, the hosted site of Be Still Sunday! Sundays are too often a busy day for me. By the time I get home from church, the last thing I have time to do is write a post. For one, I'd rather spend that time with my family and two, I just don't want to. Thus from which sprung this idea. Be Still Sunday can alleviate any pressures to post on Sunday. Just read the guidelines below and join in. Each week, you can even auto-date the button to post automatically. This may be your easiest post yet!

Guidelines:

1. Copy and paste the code each Sunday. Do not write anything, just upload the image. That's it! If you'd like, you may also add this icon to your sidebar. This will let other bloggers know that each Sunday, you are taking a "day of rest" from blogging.

2. You do not need my permission to join Be Still Sunday. Jump right in!


3. Whether you wish to faithfully participate each week or every now 'n again, just add your name and site to the Mr. Linky below. No pressures, just fun.

<center><a target="_blank" href="http://marriedtothepreacher.blogspot.com/2008/04/be-still-sunday.html"><br/><br/><img border="0" width="226" alt="BeStillSunday" src="http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj306/ladybug53080/BeStillSunday-button-1.png" height="192" /></a></center>

Many thanks to Lindsay for helping me tweek my button!

In Prayerful Thought

Oh, how fun it is to find the joy in the littlest things in life. I got a kick out of reading your comments in my "Missing Key" post. Ya'll crack me up!!


This upcoming Saturday is our church's Woman's Retreat. I was asked back in February to be the speaker for this event and I accepted with great honor and anticipation. These past few weeks I have been prayerfully preparing for this time that God will speak His words through me. Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers as I finalize for this worshipful experience.

Can You Guess Te Missing Letter?

Are we at a point in life tat certain laptop computers are considered ancient? Well, te answer is yes, I am an official owner of an ancient laptop. Bougt only a few 4 years ago wile in graduate scool, my laptop as lost a key. Yes, it came flying off wile I was typing tis post. I ad te option of reverting to our main ouse computer or continuing to type minus tat letter. I tought it would be fun to continue typing to see ow often tat letter is actually used. Can you guess wat letter it is?