One Shot

Hi All,

Another beautiful day in Kentucky. It started off cloudy and I thought we night get some rain. But it's 2:00pm, the clouds are clearing out, and the sun is beautiful. It's supposed to be in the 40's tonight so I think I'll need a sweatshirt at the football game tonight. Yes, this is a biggie. Chances are we are going to lose. But we at least our team plays clean and makes them earn that win.

I became aware today of an issue. A "friend's" child has been secretly making some very unwise decisions. In fact, decisions that will forever alter this child's life. To the parent, the child has been sweet and kind and appreciative, but secretly, this child has been sneaking around and doing some things that she knew, and has been taught, are completely unacceptable. And these were no small things. These were BIG things. My heart is broken because we know the family well and are so sad for them all. Another situation where Paths Seperate (see prior post).

What I was reminded of today, is that we have ONE SHOT at this life. One...ONLY ONE!!! When we are young, we can't even fathom that concept. We only live for today and often can't think past our heart's desire at the moment. I know, I've been there. We want what we want, when and how we want it, and will find a way to get what we want.

Tonight, win or lose, Mike and I are going to sit down with our kids and talk. We are going to share our friend's devastation and use this whole thing as a teachable moment. Because they know this friend, we know that it will break their hearts, too. No, not to dig out someone's dirt, but to show them real life consequence of real life bad choices based on selfish desire. The Lord did that with us in His Word. He inspired the authors to write about the mistakes of our ancestors in Christ so that we might learn from them and not walk down those same paths.

Being reminded that I only have one shot at this life makes me want to live it to the fullest. Dance, sing, laugh alot, be goofy and silly, but also focus on what is important and worthwhile, hug my kids more, kiss my husband more, tall those around me that I love and appreciate them, serve God with all my heart, live with purpose.

~Deanna

Can you say, "Ahhhhhhh"?

This has been one of the longest, hottest summers that I can remember. In fact, we set several new heat records this summer-106 degrees, not including heat index. For those of you that cook, think about your oven being set at 400 and then putting your face close to the door and opening it. That's what it felt like when you walked outside and it would still be 90 degrees at 10:00pm. Crazy! Now...I am not complaining, just stating the facts because I would much rather it be 106 than 6!!!!

But today, sunny, crystal clear, and the high is going to be 75 degrees. Oh what a relief it is. I am sitting at the computer in our little office and the window has been thrust open and I feel like life is sinking back into me. I love the seasons but I really do dislike the fact that we have to keep windows closed alot of the time due to heat or cold. BUT NOT TODAY...ahhhhhhh.

Here comes Percy, the cat, also known as Fat Boy, Buford, Lead Butt-Buddha Belly-Cow Cat, Mr. Furry Buns, hoisting himself up into the window sill so he can enjoy the outside, too. I don't even care if the window sills are dirty and full of dead bugs and webs.

Today I am putting the finishing touches on a study that I am preparing for a MOPS (Mother of Pre-Schoolers) group on Monday night. They graciously asked me to come share with them about mothering pre-schoolers but also whatever the Lord lays on my heart. I am teaching from John 17:6-19 which is a passage that I have prayed for my kids through the years and used as a guideline in parenting. As it usually happens when I am preparing to speak, there have been a couple of "fiery darts" that Satan has thrown my way to distract and/or discourage me. I thank God that He has given me the eyes to see them for what they are and to keep moving forward in each situation. It is also very humbling to speak about being a successful mom when I can look at my parenting and see so many flaws. But I can also look back at some "things" that Mike and I did when the kids were little that I think are so valuable and practical and worth passing on to moms. I am excited to speak because it has been a long time but I am sure I will get emotional. Just get me talking about my kids or Jesus and it's a sure bet that I will tear up.

Update on Sam:
Sam is doing very well. He walked all day long at school without his boot yesterday. He said that he got an occassional twinge of discomfort, but all in all he did great. His calf muscles were tight to start with so I showed him some stretches that he could do help and it's feeling good. He wants to see if he can run a little on it on Monday but it is sooo hard to pull him back when it's starting to feel good. I made him a follow up appointment with the doctor on Sept 24th. If the doctor gives him the green light, his Grandma JUST MIGHT get to see him play while she is here visiting for his 16th birthday. There is a Mother/Son Pasta Party this Thursday night for the Varsity team and Moms that we are going to before the BIG game Friday night against the local powerhouse: Bowling Green High School. We PROBABLY won't win, but then again, think of the college game two weeeks ago of Appalachian State vs. Michigan St.-anything is possible.

Blessings!

~Deanna

Tid Bits

I have several things that I wanted to comment on or about-that's why this is called "Tid Bits".

1.) I DIG my pastor! He is very real with the congregation and very contemporary and current. He usually doesn't wear a tie and just says it like it is. Do I agree 100% of the time? No. Is he perfect? No. Just real. I like that. Visit his blog when you get a chance.

2.) Grace and I went to see "Hairspray" yesterday. What a FUN movie!!! The message is great although the only obvious Christian is a psycho mother who quotes schripture and then acts like a raving lunatic. The music and dancing are fantastic and the cast of well known actors is fun to watch. Go see it if you like musicals.

3.) Scott Ray is having lunch with Jessie at her school today for Grandparent's Day! Since she doesn't have any grandparents nearby, we asked her if there was someone special that she would like to invite instead and she picked Scott. How fun is that? He has been very excited about it for a week! I can't wait to hear the report. I wish I was a fly on the wall (or lunch tray).

4.) I have a possible job position change in my future. To make a long story short, my bosses at work want to have me work more but have been very respectful about the fact that I have a family and commitments. In an inpromptu discussion in a meeting the other day, they made it very clear that they are willing to work with me on a schedule that works for our family, give me flexibility, etc., if I can work more. I am writing up a "proposal" today and we'll see where it goes fromthere. I am excited but nervous about it, but also at peace that I DON'T have to take the position either and just stay where I am at. We sure could use prayers for wisdom and guidance.

5.) I'll post some pictures soon of all of us and the pets. Blessings! ~Deanna