It's a Girl (Again)!!!!!

We have yet another new addition to our family. Ashley Ailene surprised us this week and decided to come 35 days early! She came into this world weighing 5 pounds and 18 inches long. That is a good size for coming so early. She is breathing on her own and doing so well. My sister has been doubly blessed this year. Two new grand-daughters almost exactly a month apart. I can not leave this post without giving praise to my Heavenly Father for Ashley. There wasn't many times when I prayed that she was not brought before the throne. My nephew and his wife lost 2 little ones early in pregnancy before getting pregnant with Ashley. When Chrissy got pregnant the 3rd time, we were all on pins and needles. God spoke to my heart and had my church pray for a prayer cloth for Ashley. Each month it was good news after good news. Ashley was growing! When I went to Indiana for a family reunion, God spoke to my heart again and instructed me to lay my hands on Chrissy belly and pray for her and Ashley. As I prayed, Ashley was moved. What an awesome experience for me! At that moment, I knew Ashley would be ok. Then to get a call that Chrissy was going in 35 days early. I came before the throne for Ashley yet again. So much could have been wrong, but my God had all things under control.


Here she is Princess Ashley Ailene(after my beloved Mother)




Welcome little Ashley into the family. I can't wait to see you!

Until next time.....

God Bless~

Lay Minister's License

Yesterday started out as usual kind of a sad day for me. Because I miss my mom so bad on her birthday. Don't get me wrong, I am rejoicing that she is in Heaven. But the human part of me still misses her and is sadden that I can't be with her at certain times in my life. Maybe it sounds selfish, but it sure isn't intended to be that way. I could have not asked for a better way to end what is usually an emotional day of reminiscing. Our Heavenly Father is so mindful of us. If we just keep our eyes open, He is always at work to bless His Children. Even in the little things I love to praise Him. I could have not asked for a better day than yesterday as the day to receive my Lay Minister's License. On the way to the football game, God spoke to my heart, "Did you realize that you got your minister's license on your Mom's birthday?" I began to weep as I realized what a special gift that was for me. Big D asked what was wrong because he saw a tear fall down my cheek. I shared with him that when I opened the envelope I had not even thought about receiving it on Mom's birthday. He just smiled so sweetly. All I could to was thank my Heavenly Father for such a wonderful gift on such a wonderful day. See, I was brought before our church in February for my Lay Minister's License. With so much going on and it getting lost at the State Headquarters, I had almost decided maybe it wasn't to be. But that was not the case at all, my Heavenly Father wanted it to be a special day to receive it. I want to continue to praise Him for the little things. I love Him so much and could NOT go thru this life without Him. Keep your eyes open for the little blessings that He bestows on you. You will be amazed!

Until next time.....

God Bless~

Happy Birthday Mom! I MISS you!

Today I woke up this morning with my Mom on my mind. September 23rd is her birthday. Words can NOT even express how awesome a lady she was. I would not even know where to begin. She touched so many lives. She had such a sweet, loving, humble spirit. When people needed prayer and wanted to see results, they came to Mom. She would ring those "prayer bells of Heaven" until the Lord answered. I had a dream of my Mom a couple of weeks ago. I hugged her in the dream. When I did, I could actually feel her. The warmth and softness of her body. I could smell her perfume. She leaned down and whispered such comforting words in my ear. I could HEAR those words audibly. It was so surreal. I have never had a dream like that in my life. It was so awesome that God would give me a few seconds with her like that. Call me crazy, but I know what I felt. I miss her so much. When I watch my sons grow and see their accomplishments, I am sadden that she can't be here to enjoy it. Would I call her back to this life if I could?? NO WAY! She is in paradise with Jesus. I would NEVER want her to come back to this world full of hurt and disappointments.
I was so blessed to be her daughter. Even tho I miss her sometime so bad it hurts (like today), I want to praise the Lord for giving me the opportunity to even know her in my life. He could have chosen for me a disfunctional mother. One that didn't know how to love or care for their child. But He chose for me a mother that taught me how to be a Godly mother. How to love my boys with every part of my heart and teach them the ways of the Lord. He blessed me with a mother that was not only my Mom, but she was my best friend. I encourage you today, if you are blessed enough to still have your mother, call her up and tell her how much you love her. One of these days she will be gone and you will wish that you had 1 more moment to spend with her.

Until next time.....

God Bless~

Urgent Prayer Needed!

Today my mind has been constantly on my Pastor. Actually there is not a day recently that I do not grieve for him. Pleading with God for a complete healing. See he found out a couple months ago, something that if God does not intervene could cause him to NEVER preach again. He was born with a condition at birth that causes weak vocal cords. Causing a raspy voice, but he never realized it would turn into the situation it has. The doctors told him that if he does not completely stop talking he will go mute when in a matter of a couple years. He has a couple blood vessels that are enlarged to the point that even a slight cough or sneeze could cause them to rupture. But that is not all, he has Cancer spots on his vocal cords. We praise God that it is not the kind of Cancer that spreads. It will stay localized. They put him on a pill form of chemotherapy. Sunday he had to go home during Sunday School because he became so sick. That has made it so surreal to me. I know what Chemo can do, even the slight form of it. I have seen at work. My heart cries for my Pastor today!
Sunday night I stood and shared my heart before I sang "Touching Him" by Ray Boltz. My question to the church was "Are we really doing all we can for our Pastor? You might have said a few prayers, but have you actually labored in prayer? Fasted any meals? It is our job as the Church to stand behind our Pastor in his time of need! Are we actually "Touching Him" for our Pastor?" I want to do all I can for my Pastor. He is a wonderful man of God. I could write pages of examples. But the best example is he has a loving, Pastors heart. He is also a very young man. He is in his mid 30s. He has so many years left to give to his calling. So many lives he could touch as he preaches the gospel.
Our Church is devastated because we do not want to lose our Pastor. But more over, I don't want to see an awesome man of God unable to do what his heart longs to do. Please put him on your daily prayer list. If God speaks to your heart to fast a few meals for him, please do. I know God will richly bless you for your obedience. I have faith that God will see him thru. I draw my strength today from the scripture in Psalms 37:25, it says "I have never seen the righteous forsaken."

Until next time.....

God Bless~

Awesome News!!!

We received some awesome news in the mail today. An envelope from Tennessee Tech University. I called Computer Geek into the kitchen. I told him I had his future in my hands. The look on his face as he realized it was a letter from TTU was priceless. I know a million things were going thru his mind. I know this because a million things were going thru MY mind. As Computer Geek nervously opened the letter, I watched in anticipation as he read the letter. I can not express the beam of light that was shining off his face when he read he had been ACCEPTED to the college of his dreams!! He gave me a big hug and all I could think about was I am about to lose my baby soon. I am so proud of him. He has always been such a joy to me every since the first day I held him. He has always excelled in everything he has done. As I watch him this year work toward closing a chapter in his life and preparing for a new chapter, all I can do is think about how much I love him and how proud that I was the one that was chosen to raise such a wonderful young man!

I love you Computer Geek with all my heart!
I am so VERY proud of you and all your
accomplishments!

Until next time.....

God Bless~

Houston, we have a problem!

Last night while working on a batch of documents for work, the computer just turns off on me. So I am thinking, "Oh some cord came unplugged." Well it wasn't "some cord" that had come unplugged. First, I yell for Computer Geek to come in and save the day. Which when it comes to the computer, he usually does come in and save the day! But there was NO getting the computer to turn back on. By this time, Big Daddy comes in from work and looks into the problem. Since it is still on warranty (Praise the Lord!), we thought it best not to let Computer Geek dig any deeper into the problem. I felt so sorry for Big D because after over 2 hours (20 minutes of it on hold waiting to even talk to someone) on the phone with someone that doesn't speak clear English, he finally got him to understand there was NO getting this computer turned on! No matter what he had him take apart or unplug and replug. It was not turning on. The man finally comes to the conclusion that it must be the motherboard. Just as the gentleman at Dell decides its time to write up a work order and have a tech come to the house and fix the computer, Big D gets disconnected! Here it is almost 10pm, way past Big D's bedtime (He gets up at 3am). We call back, but only had to wait 10 minutes this time. The entire time I am praying "Plllllllllease God let that person understand that the previous person was about to write up a work order for us and not make Big D have to go thru all that again." I am so thankfully that the Heavenly Father is so mindful of us and cares about the little things! He answered my prayer. The woman wrote up the work order for us and gave Big D the work order number for the tech to come out. But the bad news is He won't be able to come out until next week sometime. You wonder how I am posting on my blog without a computer. Well I was having some blogging withdrawals, so I snuck on Computer Geeks Hi-tech baby. Yes I know its sad I can't go 1 day without blogging. I need the 12 step program for blogging! Hi, My name is Lightseeker. I am a blog-oholic. I have went 12 hours without blogging. You might laugh, but I know a few that might just be in that class sitting right next to me!


Until next time.....

God Bless~

The Truth Seeker

This morning I finished reading "The Truth Seeker" by Dee Henderson.

Women are turning up dead. And Lisa O'Malley has a habit of walking into crime scenes, curious. She's a forensic pathologist and mysteries are her domain. Book number three in the O’Malley series brings back Lisa O’Malley and U.S. Marshal Quinn Diamond from The Guardian in a tense investigative thriller. She’s not a believer, and her journey toward faith is a fascinating look at how a forensic pathologist views the Resurrection. U.S. Marshal Quinn Diamond has found loving her is easier than keeping her safe. Lisa's found the killer, and now she's missing too…

When I first began this book, I was so afraid that I would not enjoy it. Only because I am not so hip about forensic pathology. Not my cup of tea. But I was greatly surprised. The way that Dee Henderson wrote this book made it very interesting. Even for those that don't like forensic type stories, you will enjoy this book. You never knew who was really going to be the murder. So many twist and turns in this book. I could not put the book down for the last 6 chapters! The ending might surprise you. I enjoy reading from time to time, but let me tell you I am HOOKED on the "O'Malley Series"! The one scripture from the Bible, Dee quoted in the book, that really spoke to my heart this morning was Psalm 18:19 "He brought me forth into a broad place, He delivered me, because He delighted in me." That is my prayer today. I want the Heavenly Father to delight in me and in my life. I highly recommend the O'Malley series. If you would like to read chapter 1 of "The Truth Seeker" go to the author's website, Dee Henderson.

Until next time.....

God Bless~

Bragging Rights!

I can not even began to explain in words how proud I am of our Football Star. Thursday Night was an away game. Big D was in Alabama on a business trip. We had almost decided not to go with gas prices being so high and Big D so far from home. But we worked it out and I met Big D at the hosting school. I am so glad we did or we would have missed out on a parent's dream. As we walked to the visitors stands, the smell of fresh popped popcorn and the excitement of another football game was in the air. As we waited for the game to start, Big D and I were sipping our usual Route 44 Sweet Tea (no lemon), talking about the rival team. The announcer began the welcoming speech, all the commercials, and the National Anthem was sung. Big D and I had no idea what surprise was in store for us. The announcer announced the representing captains of our team for the night. 78. Did he say 78?? Our Football Star's number! Big D looked at me "He is a captain?? When did this happen??"

Let me tell you everyone knew he was ours because they nearly had to tie us to the bench to keep us from floating away and our smiles were shining brighter than the sun in pride! I looked at Big D and said "ok we can go home now. I am so happy right now win or lose tonight!" Well I wished I could say we won, but we lost 38-8, but no matter Big D and I left there so proud. Not only was Football Star recognized as a captain tonight he also got about 5 tackles and a couple near misses. But our night of surprises wasn't over just yet. Each Thursday 4 freshman players are recognized for their hard work by earning a Varsity Jersey to play on Friday(mainly stand on the sidelines). Well here he comes with a jersey and a smile. He looked so good in that Varsity Jersey. He was number 77 Friday night.

We are so proud of him. I guess why we are so proud is because all this did not come easy for him. He has always wanted to play sports but was always too chubby to make the team. The beginning of this year he decided he wanted to change things. He started working out and lost 60-80 pounds. He works hard on getting good grades. Sometimes that can be a real struggle. Please keep him in your prayers the next 4 weeks as we try to get thru this football season and all the homework. Yes I know there are a lot of seemingly more important things going on in the world with the disaster of Katrina and the troops in Iraq, but to him this is important. So that makes it important to me. And I know it is important to the Heavenly Father. The bible tells us in Psalm 10:17 LORD, thou hast heard the desire of the humble: and in Psalm 38:9 Lord, all my desire is before thee; and my groaning is not hid from thee. If we do our part, I believe God will give us the desires of our hearts. That is my prayer for Football Star today and the next few weeks.

Until next time.....

God Bless

Easy Button

I don't know why God chooses to speak to me through commercials. This is twice now that He has chosen a commercial to speak to my spirit. Last time it was an "Oreo"commercial. Even as silly as it seems, I don't care where or what He uses to speak to me. I am just so glad He speaks to me! Amen?? Hey Moses had the burning bush, Balaam had a talking donkey, I guess I get commercials! Proverbs 16:16 says "How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!" Whatever you want Lord just keep speaking!

This morning it was the "Staples Easy Button" commercial.

Why as humans do we want everything the "Easy" way??? Why do we always look to hit that "easy button" when things get tough. It is through life lessons or even the hardest trials that we learn and become stronger. If we aren't blessed (yes I said blessed) with trials, how are we able to help others?? Those that have helped us make it through could not have helped, if they had not themselves just come through something similar. 1 Peter 1:7 says "That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:" Gold can not be a pure, shiny, beautiful metal until it has been thru the fire. The hotter the fire the purer the Gold.

On the other hand, if you do need an "Easy" button, God has already provided that for us. Jesus~! Matthew 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Or the way I would like to interpret this scripture this morning.

"Need an Easy button?? JESUS ...that was Easy."

Until next time.....

God Bless~

Saturday Night Pizza Party and Game Night

Tonight we had "Game Night" at the Youth House. The parsonage that our church owns isn't used by our Pastor. He owns his own home. So our church gave it to the Youth and Young Adults as a "Youth House". We use the basement as a "Game Room" for the teenagers. The top part of the house we use for Pizza Parties, Bible Studies, Lock-ins, etc.

Here is a picture of some of the graffiti Big Daddy and I did on the walls. The words we chose to put on the walls are all the different names of Jesus. Like "Savior", "Alpha and Omega", "Almighty" and so on.

This is our "Signature Wall". Down in the basement was a little nook about 6 foot by 10 foot. God gave me an idea to paint it black add a few black lights. We have beads hanging the the doorway of the "Signature Wall". Everyone that comes and visits our Game Room gets to sign the the "Signature Wall". When our State Overseer came to visit our church one Sunday night, we showed him our Game Room. He signed our Signature Wall. This picture doesn't capture how great it looks, but you get the idea.

This is our Pastor ready to "break", to start the game with Football Star. We have a Ping Pong Table, Darts, Basketball Shoot, a Playstation, and of course the Pool Table. We have a Air Hockey Table that Big Daddy is fixing that was given to use. We are also adding a Foosball Table this Fall.

The Teenager love having a place to call their own and we are so happy that God provided it. We are proud of our "Game Room". I feel so blessed that God lets me be part of something so wonderful.

Until next time.....

God Bless~

Life Songs

If you like the Contemporary Christian Music Group Casting Crowns, then you will really enjoy their new CD "Life Songs". I bought it today when Big D and I went out to have some alone time. I enjoyed all the songs, but there are a few very powerful songs. Great for dramas(human videos). I was a drama leader for over 3 year and when I hear songs so anointed as "Set Me Free" mark my word it will be a used by churches everywhere in their drama groups. The Song "Love Them Like Jesus" is another one of my favorites on this CD. "Father, Spirit, Jesus" is a great worship song for Worship Teams to learn. Casting Crowns definitely did NOT disappoint me with this CD!

Until next time.....

God Bless~

Under the weather

It must be that time of year again for the flu. Yesterday I spent 90% of the day in bed. I have such a horrible sore throat, sneezing like crazy, coughing my head off, and a fever. My entire body just aches and I am so weak. I am a little better today, but was given strict orders from Big Daddy to stay in bed. If he takes the time to check my blog today, I think he will find out I didn't quite listen. I am sure I will get a phone call. So before I do, I guess I will go fix me something to drink, grab my book, and crawl back under the covers.

Until next time.....

God Bless~

The Guardian

I finished reading "The Guardian" by Dee Henderson.

A federal judge has been MURDERED! There is only 1 witness. An assassin wants her dead. U.S. Marshal Marcus O'Malley thought he knew the risks of the assignment going in. He was wrong. He never expected Shari to invade his heart, nor her faith to change his life. Marcus finds himself charmed by the lovely speechwriter who witnessed the crime. Moreover, he's shocked to learn that two of his sisters have turned to the church. Marcus himself was once a believer, but lost faith after his mother died. He's been the guardian of the O'Malley family for two decades. Now he's the guardian of a woman being hunted by the best assassin in the world - a woman he'll have to risk everything to protect...


I really loved this book. I think I was more involved into this book than I was the first only because I could feel the characters struggles. I, myself, struggled with my Christian beliefs when my mom died of leukemia. She was a minister of the gospel. I could not understand why a loving God would let her suffer and die such a horrible death. One day God spoke to my heart. He said to me "If I was to bring your mom before you right now and ask her, would you do this for 1 person to be saved and know Me? What would she say?" I replied to Him, "Lord, she would say she would do it for that 1." He then said to me, "You can no longer stay upset at Me." It was that day my heart started healing and it wasn't long after that I accepted my calling into the ministery. God is awesome! Sometimes we do not understand why we do thru difficult times in our life. Like Shari in this 2nd book in the O'Malley series, she could not understand why God would let things happen in her life, but she learned we go thru things so that we may help others that struggle and help them come to know Jesus. I highly recommend the O'Malley series. If you would like to read chapter 1, go to the author's website, Dee Henderson.

Until next time.....

God Bless~

Princess Kay

Here is Princess Kay (Kaitlyn). Isn't she absolutely beautiful?!? Princess Kay and mom are doing well. We are so proud that God chose us to be her family. My prayer is as her family we can teach her the ways of the Lord and that she may grow to do mighty things for Jesus. May her light shine brightly for Him!!

Welcome to our family. God bless you all your life! I love you!


Until next time....

God Bless~

It's a Girl!!!!

My sister called me this morning. She is a grandma again! We have a new bundle of joy in our family as of 7:40am. Her name is Kaitlyn Jean. It is such a blessing to be a "Great" Aunt again. Princess Kay is my 6th "Great" Niece. I also have 2 "Great" Nephews. Plus I have 1 "Great" Niece due in November. I can't even begin to tell you how much I love each one. Sami, Morgan, Haley, Mackenzie, Maddy, Nathaniel (Princess Kay's big brother!), Daniel, and Kaitlyn, Aunt Char loves you all very much. Hurry little Ashley we can't wait to meet you in November.

How blessed am I as a "great" Aunt?? No wonder the Bible says "Children are an heritage of the Lord" (Psalm 127:3) They are so precious!!

May God bless you Princess Kay all the days of your life!

UPDATE
Princess Kay came into this world weighing 7 pounds 12 ounces and 20 inches long!

Until next time.....

God Bless~

Leave Footprints~

As I sit here this morning in prayer for a friend having surgery today, my mind goes to the scripture in Proverbs 17:17 "A friend loveth at all times". I have had many wonderful friends in my life. Some have touched my life deeply. I couldn't imagine my life without them being there at one time or another. They have made me the person I am today. I thank God for sending such special people in my life. There is a quote by an Unknown writer that says:

"Some people come into our lives,
leave footprints on our hearts,
and we are never the same"

I have had friends that have definitely left footprints on my heart. I hope I have left footprints on hearts of those I call friend. Have I been the friend in Proverbs that "loveth at all times"? I am sure I have failed at times. Just like there have been friends that I felt failed me. But there is one friend that will never fail us. His name is Jesus! He is always right there for us when we need him. He knows our needs even before we do. Now that is a friend!

There is a song "I am a friend of God" by Israel and New Breed. It is a wonderful worship song. The verse says:

Who am I that You are mindful of me
That You hear me when I call
Is it true that You are thinking of me
How You love me it's amazing

Who are we?? That the Almighty is mindful of us?? He hears us when we call! His love IS truly amazing! I pray you know this wonderful friend. If you don't know Jesus and would like to meet my amazing friend, I would love to introduce you to him.

Who are your friends? You can never have too many friends. So try Jesus.

Until next time.....

God Bless~

What a weekend!

What a busy weekend we had at our house!! A Football game, A Parade, and everything in between. Computer Geek marched Friday night during half time. The theme this year is "A Touch of Jazz". Then he had to get up early Saturday morning and march in the "Old Timers Day" parade. But the biggest news of all is that we sat down last night and filled out his college application to TTU. Where did the days of Ducktales and Ninja Turtles go?? It is so great to see him so excited about starting a new chapter in his life. As I watched him sign the application, I silently prayed (God he has always been yours since the day he took his first breath of air. He has been such a blessing to my life. Continue to keep him healthy and safe. Guide him in the path you would have him to go to glorify You. Thank you Lord for the opportunity I had to be his mom.)


Psalm 16:11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

Until next time.....

God Bless~

Football time in Tennessee

It's football time in Tennessee. Tonight was Football Star's first High School football game. He plays on the Freshman team as First String Left Tackle. Big Daddy and I were decked out in our Red and Black tonight. We traveled to Warren County, Tennessee. Even tho they lost 13-0, it was so great to see him play his hardest. I am so proud of him. He got in 1 great tackle and they said his name over the PA system. It was so cool. Talk about proud parents. I am sure everyone knew he was ours just by the HUGE grins on our faces! He has worked very hard to get where he is now. In Isaiah 40:31 it says, " But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." I prayed that God would keep him safe tonight. Thank you Lord for not only Your Word but thank you for answering this Mother's prayer.

Until next time.....

God Bless~

Surprise! You've Got Mail!

What a wonderful surprise was waiting for me in my email inbox!! Yesterday after I finished reading "The Negotiator", I decided I would email the author. I wanted her to know how much I enjoyed her book and how I could not wait to read "The Guardian" (the next book in the "O'Malley Series"). I told her I would be praying that God continued to bless her talents as a writer. I NEVER expected a response to my email. It wasn't one of those electronic responses you get most time. It was an actual email from her. How cool is that?? Dee Henderson is quickly becoming one of my favorite Authors. Move over Frank Peretti here comes Dee!!

Here is the email:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Subject: re: The Negotiator
Date: Tue, 16 Aug 2005 21:35:57 -0500


Thanks Char, I'm thrilled to hear you enjoyed The
Negotiator. I loved writing those O'Malley stories.

Dee
www.deehenderson.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Until next time.....

God Bless~

The Negotiator

I have finished reading "The Negotiator" by Dee Henderson. I really really REALLY enjoyed this book. If you enjoy Christian Romantic Suspense stories, you will love this. In this first entry, Chicago hostage negotiator Kate O'Malley meets Dave Richman (an FBI agent) while she's talking a bank gunman into releasing hostages. Impressed by her professionalism and attracted to her personally, Dave starts courting the aloof Kate, only to discover that she's not a Christian, a major stumbling block for him. As he struggles to understand why she doesn't believe in God, a threat from Kate's past, an airline bombing, a family tragedy, and the discovery of a biological brother threaten to break this strong woman. I love Christian series books. Big Daddy bought this book for me in July when I went with him to Kentucky on a business trip. I am so glad he did. If you would like to read chapter one, go to the author's website, Dee Henderson.

Until next time.....

God Bless~