A Day for Hearts!

Today is CHD Awareness Day. There are so many individuals that truly do not know what a CHD even is. While I've always known, I never realized how common these heart defects are in children, that is until I had a child with one.



A's CHD is called Tetralogy of Fallot. Tetralogy doesn't and won't define who A is, however, it will and has already made her one strong and brave little girl. God has truly blessed us and while I thank Him every day that A's case was isolated and we had no other complications, I thank Him even more for the journey He has taken us on and the lessons He's taught us along the way.


Happy Valentine's Day and CHD Awareness Day!

Freeze Tag

Remember it?  I do.  It was one of my favorite games as a kid.  Do you remember the point during the game where you're tagged and in mid-run you have to "FREEZE!"  It was like time stood still while you waited (and usually not so patiently) for that "tag" from your teammate that would let you know that you could move again. 
I think that moment in the game of Freeze Tag perfectly describes where I am this morning.  I'm frozen, waiting (somewhat patiently-ok ok...barely) for God to "tag" me.  I think as Christians we often feel this frozen feeling at times in our walk with God as we stop, seek Him, and wait for His direction and His answer--His "tag"--and we're frozen in faith as we wait.  There are several life-changing issues that George and I have been praying about and whole-heartedly seeking God's will.  While we're trying to patiently wait for God's tag, you know how difficult being frozen in faith can be.  Our sinful human nature (and Satan's constant whisper in our ear) temps us to move consequently in our own direction instead of God's.  Please pray for me (us) as we're "frozen in faith."

The Dirty Flower

A friend emailed a devotion she received online. It touched my heart so I felt it only fair to share in hopes that it too would touch yours...

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

A little girl walking in a garden saw a particularly beautiful flower and promptly picked it because she felt it was too pretty to be in the dirt. She then took the flower home and rinsed the dirt off with water. Shortly thereafter, the flower wilted and died. When the owner of that garden saw what the little girl had done, he exclaimed, 'You have destroyed my finest plant!'
'I'm sorry, but I didn't like it in all that dirt,' said the girl.
The gardener responded by saying, 'I chose that spot and mixed the soil because I knew that only there could it grow to be a beautiful flower.'
Sometimes we become like that little girl, fixated on the dirt of our life instead of seeing the beauty and growth that will emerge in time. But once we have experienced seeing the hand of God in our life, we have assurance that we can trust Him in His sovereignty. So, if it feels like nothing good will ever come out of what you are going through, be patient and steadfast, knowing that God 'plans to give you a hope and a future' (Jeremiah 29:11).

Patient and Steadfast... now those are words to live by. I don't know about you, but there are times when I feel like I'm in the landfill of life and I'm positive nothing good will come from it all. It's so tough to take a step back, change perspective and remember that God does truly have a plan. God is good.

Happy Mother's Day

Today is Mother's Day.
I can remember a time when I said I never wanted a child. Now, I can't even fathom the idea of existing on this earth without her. I fell in love with her the day I found out I was pregnant, yet still I fall in love more everyday. I think this is being a mother. It's a love so deep that it hurts to breathe. A love that can never be communicated in a Hallmark card.
Being a mother is to learn the meaning of worry, heartache, unconditional love, joy, warmth...the list is endless. I just simply never knew how much love my body, my heart, could hold until she called me "Mommy."
It's amazing.
Happy Mother's Day to me, because of you.
I love you, A.D.

Happy Mother's Day to all.

Row, Row, Row the Boat

"Just as it takes more than one to row a boat for an extended period of time, it takes two to do the rowing in a friendship."

Someone once shared this with me and the older I become, the more I realize that this is truly a nugget of gold in life's dark mines. Maybe it's that as we become older we are more defined and with that we possess the definition of a true friend. Who knows?
Relationships come in so many different flavors... marriage, friendship, co-workers, etc., each carrying a different weight or level of importance to us. Some we hold dear to our hearts, lasting forever, while others... Well, Suzy Bogguss sang it best, "change just like the weather..." or at least the people do.

Lately, I've reflected more and more on friendships and the definition of a true friend--what it means to be one and have one. What is a "true friendship?" Does it consist of trust, accountability, recognition, honesty?...or maybe it's none of these...
I think everyone has their own definition of what their true friendship is simply because we each are defined in our own way. The truth that comes from all of this is that friendship is that relationship between individuals and it is only as good or as close as those individuals choose to make it. My recipe for a true friendship may be different than yours and recipes may even change as life experiences change us all.

Reflecting on this, I find myself at times rowing alone in some relationships and as any rower would (being the rowing fanatic I am), I get worn out. I can only imagine that there are times when God gets so completely worn out with each of us. But, God doesn't get worn out, (thank God!) and He constantly continues to row and wait on us. God doesn't change like the weather and while friendships have limitations, there are none with Him.

You Can Have My Turn

Av: What's your mommy's name?
Me: Grammy.
Av: Where is she?
Me: At her house.
Av: What's your daddy's name?
Me: Papa Don
Av: Papa Dom?
Me: Sure.
Av: Where is he?
Me: He lives in heaven with Jesus.
Av: Why?
Me: Because he passed away.
Av: Why?
Me: Because he was sick.
Av: Who did he pass?
Me: No one. It means he doesn't live on earth anymore. He lives with Jesus.
Av: Up in the sky?
Me: Yes
Av: Why did he go there?
Me: Because it was his turn to go live with Jesus.
Av: When did he go?
Me: Actually, four years ago today.
Av: But why?
Me: Because it was his turn to live with Jesus and he wanted to go see Him!
Av: Oh. ... ... ..You can have my turn. I "tink" I gonna stay here.

Poppy Don

May 6, 1941-May 1, 2004

ONUG

(Oh, Lord. She's writing about politics.... Why yes, YES I am.)
I was sad to learn that my "presidential hopeful" bowed out of the race Tuesday night. Yes, I am a Mike Huckabee fan. Mike spoke my language. Mike and I would be great friends.

Frankly, I'm humored by political candidates that beat the "change" horse to death. The federal government has the ability to change policies and economics, but in my strong opinion, more than anything, America is truly in need of a cultural change. What happened to ONUG?
Other nations threaten our existence, but decay starts from within and we threaten our own.

A recent article I read wrote it best:
"Families are falling apart: fathers are abdicating their responsibilities; mothers are more concerned about themselves than their children; divorce is rampant. Values and norms are changing: gays want to redefine marriage; wanton sex is expected; foul talk dominates the airwaves. Contemporary media glorifies these failings and makes heroes of adulterers, murderers, and drunks—or at least those who portray them and sing about them."

These are examples of the cultural decay that's running rampant in our society, but this decay begins in our hearts. Would Mike Huckabee have reversed the cultural decay that plagues us if he had gone on to win office? No. But again, in my opinion, the difference between Mike Huckabee and other candidates was/is huge. First, Mike acknowledges the decay and recognizes its affect on every area of our society. Mike's belief is that change will occur and exist in the heart of each American choosing to surrender to God. (Can I get an ONUG?!) The power of the Presidency is incapable of changing a culture. However, other candidates believe the "change" begins with them.
Ignorance is truly bliss and I would prefer a canidate in office that knows the change doesn't begin with him, but with HIM.

One can argue that if God wanted ole Huck to be President, he would have continued on, and I can't agree more. Despite the GOP and delegate battles, God is truly in control and there isn't any vote or nation that can change that. God has something to do and say in every area of human endeavor and He has a plan.

While I will always like Mike, respect his views, and hoped he would have become our next President, Mike, it just wasn't God's will. BUT! As individuals, we can begin to reverse the cultural decay that exists around us regardless of who occupies the Oval Office.
One Nation Under God.

Let Go

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

We are strange (and I'm not just speaking for myself [smiles]). We want to hang on to everything. We say some have control issues, when in fact, we all do (yes, all of us). I can't tell you how many times I've read Proverbs 3:5-6. I can tell you that it's an inspirational verse full of instruction and promise, yet often enough we choose to simply view it as simply an "inspirational verse" without application. I am so very guilty of this. Why do we have such trouble recognizing the need to simply let go? And when we recognize it, why is it so hard to accomplish? It's hard because we think we know what's best for us. The reality is like the game and we don't have a CLUE!

Not long ago, I found a letter that my dad wrote to me back in 2002, two years before he passed away. His words touched my heart six years ago, but the other day they touched my soul. "Candace, if you want a dress, you go to the dress store. If you want true happiness you go to Him and you let go," he wrote. I have to remind myself to just let go and let Him have control.

My dad's words were simple yet the truth they hold is abundant. If you want true happiness you go where you will find it--God--and when you get there, let go and "He shall direct your paths." If you think you are truly happy try "letting go," trust in the Lord with all your heart, and I promise your definition of happiness will change. While I have to often remind myself to let go, the direction He takes me and the joy He brings is more than worth it.
Lord, please remind me to always "let go."

Now your turn. Try it. You won't be disappointed.

One of those...

Yes, I could have been watching the Ohio debate last night...

..but instead, I chose this-- Live and in person!

In order love to hockey, I must define why I love it. Hockey is simply a poetic mixture of speed, grace, and my favorite part, brute physical contact. It truly is a team sport where success can only be achieved when each member of the team works together to accomplish that common goal -no pun intended. Back to the brute physical contact... I do so very much love it. While I've always enjoyed watching boxing, hockey brings a whole new meaning to the realm of physical contact sports. Yes, last night I became one of those hockey fans.

Discovery Channel-2911 Version

Have you ever seen the show, "Dirty Jobs?"
No? Yes? Well, they were filming this weekend at 2911.
NOT after much thought, I've decided that one of the dirtiest jobs ever is simply being a mother. Never in my life have I been pooped, peed, snotted and thrown up on as much as I have until I became a "Mommy." You know what I'm talking about. When your child has that pitiful look of uncertainty followed by the projected Niagara Falls of vomit. YES! It is gross! I agree!
Move over Mike Rowe.
Moms have a new "Dirty Job" for your show.