Pumped about Palin

Maybe I am getting a little ahead of myself, considering the fact that we don't know "much" about Sarah Palin--but I've just got to say that I am FINALLY pumped about walking into the polls on election day. To see a woman live by her principles in bringing that precious baby into the world and not just saying she is pro-life is enough for me. Knowing our own risks with Hannah (high risk, in fact, according to doctors, those so-called professionals) being possibly born with Down's Syndrome, I think that I can see this lady cares about family, she cares about life regardless of the fact it might cause some problems down the road. The Lord did not place us here to have a life of comfort and convenience, but one that requires us to trust Him! The old hymn says it best, Trust and Obey!! I am sure that she and her husband could never have believed when they chose life over convenience, that they would now be in the spotlight giving testimony to God's goodness. May He hold her up during this time and her family, as well.

God is Good!

These are our wonderful children! It seems like they are growing and maturing by the minute! We did not have time yesterday to get a picture of Luke for his first day of school, so here he is with the girls on the their first day and Brett's 6th day! We are so proud of them and how they are growing. This year will probably have many struggles, ups and downs, but I want to take today to praise the Lord for His goodness and faithfulness in bringing us to this point. If you had asked me a year ago where we would be, especially in relation to school--I NEVER would have dreamed this. He is faithful!! It has been a l-o-n-g, tiring year for ALL of us and now we get a glimpse of what He was working out for our good.
Some trust in horse, some trust in chariots, but we trust in the NAME OF THE LORD OUR GOD!!! Thank you, Lord!!!!

He's off and running...to Adulthood!

We dropped Brett off to Greenville Tech Charter High School this morning. He is very excited to have the opportunity to go there. He almost drove us crazy this morning wanting to leave and get there early. Of course, if you know me and Gene, he was already going to be early enough!! right?

Driving Off!
Taking the first step!
Obviously, mom and dad are more anxious about pulling away than he is!

Happy 9th birthday, Luke!!

Luke doing a little "air guitar" or in this case..."putter guitar"! Isn't he going to be a heart breaker one day!?!


Luke showing his incredible skill in the massive competive sport of putt-putt golf!

Happy 65th Birthday Daddy!

Daddy's Hands by Holly Dunn
I remember Daddy´s hands, folded silently in prayer.
And reaching out to hold me, when I had a nightmare.
You could read quite a story, in the callouses and lines.
Years of work and worry had left their mark behind.
I remember Daddy´s hands, how they held my Mama tight,
And patted my back, for something done right.
There are things that I´ve forgotten, that I loved about the man,
But I´ll always remember the love in Daddy´s hands.

Daddy's hands were soft and kind when I was cryin´.
Daddy´s hands, were hard as steel when I´d done wrong.
Daddy´s hands, weren´t always gentle
But I´ve come to understand.
There was always love in Daddy´s hands.

I remember Daddy´s hands, working 'til they bled.
Sacrificed unselfishly, just to keep us all fed.
If I could do things over, I´d live my life again.
And never take for granted the love in Daddy´s hands.



For over 20 years, I have heard this song (everyone knows "I'm a little bit country"!) and have always thought of my Daddy. Many times it has brought tears to my eyes! I love you Daddy and hope your day is great!!

Please pray...

We found out yesterday that some sweet friends that we had back in Asheville have suffered a tragedy. Jeff and Angela Adkins have 4 beautiful little girls. This is one of the sweetest families you will ever meet and one that truly loves the Lord.

This week, their 2nd daughter, Claire, fell out of a tree and broke her arm. Due to her injuries and need for surgery, they were sent to Winston-Salem. Claire made it through the surgery, but later while her Mom was holding her she began to have seizures. Further investigation revealed that she had bleeding on her brain. Friday morning, she passed away. She, of course, is with her Lord and fully whole, but please pray for Jeff and Angela and their children. I can not imagine the grief that they must be experiencing.

The Lord has really convicted me that I have not been making every day count. The Scripture is clear that we are to "count" our days. I believe this means everyday should be lived in a way that honors Him and draws others to Him. I am thankful for my family, but today...I am much more thankful for those hugs this morning and those smiles asking, "what's for breakfast?"

Lord, today we pray that you will strengthen this family in the supernatural way that only YOU can do! Be their Comforter. Thank you that YOU are faithful!! Our trust is in You alone!!

Here we go...

I have been waiting until I could grab a camera before posting this info....but...as you know, cameras and I are not often found together:) Anyway, Brett got his driving permit a month ago. I have spent the last four (+) weeks teaching him to drive. Let's just say it has been a learning experience for BOTH of us! I guess I am old-fashioned. I think the way WE did it growing up was the correct way---take a class, drive with someone experienced at "teaching" you to drive THEN go get a permit! Wow! What a novel idea. Anyway, in South Carolina--it's not done that way. So once again, the Lord has challenged me in yet another area of my life--trusting Him! Brett is doing a great job, it's Mom that is lost as to how to teach beyond 35-40 mph road driving. We ventured out yesterday onto Hwy 25 coming from the Cliffs direction with 18-wheelers passing us on the left, when it hit me "Hey, you've never driven over 40 mph! Maybe we should pull over and put Mom back behind the wheel!" So TWO miles down the road--I took back the wheel. I felt like Carrie Underwood, "Jesus take the wheel!" I felt bad for Brett because I told him he could drive the rest of the trip back to Cherrydale. Do you ever make a commitment and wish you had been thinking clearer when you made it??? I reassured him that he did a great job, it's me that's not. So...we got home and called Auto Safe and Brett begins (and ends) all of his drivers' ed next week. We are excited because he will be with retired State Trooper King. I can't wait to hear Brett's stories each day. To be honest I think Brett is excited so that he might finally get to drive further than to work at Chick-fil-A and back home or to church and home. We'll keep you posted.