Stamping with the Oldies

I am not on a blogging break, I went to school.  How 'bout that.  My husband and I  left at 5 am Tuesday morning picked up Donnie and his son Blayze and drove 16 hours, yes you read it right SIXTEEN,  six and teen, sweet 16 hours to Mississippi.  Did you spell the word?  Okay, sothe drive down was fun and it seemed to go faster than the 16 hours it took.  We got there around 8:30 that night.  

Class started the next morning at 8.  We learned to work with a product called Flex-c-ment.  Go to their web site, it's some cool stuff.  It is used for stamping and texturing horizontal and vertical surfaces.  Stay tuned, there will be more of this to come.

Most of the men in the class were learning skills to add to their trade and make a living, so I kind of stood back and watched.  I will get enough practice here at home, we have several projects to use it on.  One of which is the porch, anybody remember that, you can go here to see that.  

We begin by mixing up the cement.  I have always wanted one of these tools.  You can't really see it in this picture but it is one of those big . . . ah what's the word . . . tools that stir big stuff, yea, that's it.  A big stirrer.  I want one. 

Teacher Mike shows Blayze how to trowel it on the wall.

We've gotten a couple walls stamped up by now, this one that Blayze is doing is one of the hardest ones they have.  He, by the way did a fantastic job on everything, a talented young man, just graduated high school.  That's his dad Donnie looking on.
Here are some of the finished products.  We kind of "pimped" them out like Mike told us to do.  Just to get use to the colors and not to be afraid of using them.

This one is my favorite.  I love the wood plank and cobblestone, two different stamps.

This one on the floor is flagstone, I saw one that the color was more realistic and the grout lines were larger, this I learned is a one finger grout line, usually flagstone uses a two or three, so I'm just sayin, cause now I'm in the "know", um hmm.  Also this is not a stamp, it is one we cut, lots of fun.

So, that's it!  What do you think?  Leave a comment.  I could use the encouragement cause yesterday when the class was over we hopped right back in that car and drove, yes, until 10:00 last night, stopped fell in bed and got up this morning bright and early and drove all day again.  My butt muscles are sore from sitting so long. 

I'm a tired girl.

But I must tell you of the hospitality, the couple who we met there treated us to a shrimp boil.  Fresh caught, gulf shrimp, the biggest I have ever seen, sorry no pictures, I was busy talking.  And homemade deer and pork sausage, the best ever, and sweet, sweet people.  Even though it was a slamming, middle of the week experience, it was fun and I am glad that I got to be there to experience it. 

Heavy Heart and Crazy Love

Girls, I've got one.  A heavy one.  It was harder to send him back than it was to let go the first time.  I started noticing this feeling a few days ago.  It even shows up in my lack of photography.  I took pictures until I just stopped.  I didn't pick up the camera and take the shot of his boots by my "God Bess America" picture,  I didn't take my camera with me to the airport this morning.  No parting shots, no dressed in his uniform shots . . . I just stopped. 

It was just something about the space he filled up.  Now it feels empty, like a vacuum, somehow.  It's one of those feelings like, when you know you can't let go because you might not stop . . .  crying.  And he's fine, you know, I know he's fine.  Right now he is in an airplane sleeping, probably, flying back to Germany or Ireland where they stop to re-fuel, then on to Kuwait where they stop for a few days then back into Iraq.  He says their work is slowing down and things are good.  But it was just harder this time.

 

He's found a girl he's crazy about, now they have five more months before he's home again and we'll see what the future holds.  One thing I do know . . . BIG GOD!  I know that.  God's story.  Know that.  He creates; we're created.  Got it.   He's in control.  I trust Him.  His word says that all that concerns me, concerns Him.  Believe that.

I bought the book by Frances Chan "Crazy Love."  I am just a few chapters in and he's talking about death.   Not to be morbid here but it is a reality.  And none of us have the next second promised.  So are you Ready?  Am I?  When I stand before a Holy God, will the things I thought important burn in the fire and I escape with all that I cared about burning up as paper and wood or will my life show that I worshiped God in everything I do? 

 

Okay, Husband just called me down stairs and I promptly yelled at him.  I do that when I'm dealing with something that I don't know what to do with it.  That's yet another chapter in Chan's book, it's a bit arrogant to allow stress to bother us when we are commanded to not be anxious about anything but in everything with praise and thanksgiving present your request o God.  I love this verse.  Then it follows up with the promise that the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus. 

 

An excerpt from Chan's book, page 42;

"Worry implies that we don't quite trust that God is big enough, powerful enough or loving enough to take care of what's happening in our lives.  Stress says that the things we are involved in are important enough to merit our impatience, our lack of grace toward others, or our tight grip of control.

Basically, these two behaviors communicate that it's okay to sin and not trust God because the stuff in my life is somehow exceptional.  Both worry and stress reek of arrogance." 

 

Ouch.

  

He is a Big God.  He knows Jeremy.  He knows his heart, he knows his situation, better than me.  Thankfully He is in control, not me.  Can I rejoice even when I'm feeling down?  I will.  

More from Chan's book;

"The wise man comes to God without saying a word and stands in awe of Him.  It may seem a hopeless endeavor, to gaze at the invisible God.  But Romans 1:20 tells us that through creation, we see His 'invisible qualities' and 'divine nature.'

Go to www.crazylovebook.com and view the "Awe Factor."

My mouth dropped open and then all the emotions I have been suppressing came forward. 

  I. Am. Speechless.  

I am. 

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.  Day after day they port forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.  There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard.  Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.  Psalm 19:1-4 

Another of my favorite books is by Louie Giglio, 

"i am not but I know I AM."

In it he writes;

"The skies declare that I AM is huge, but Calvary affirms that I AM has the best interest of every I am not in mind at all times.  Our God is in the heavens and the whole world is under His command, but now because of Christ we can personally know how much He loves us and believe that He is using everything that comes our way for His glory and for our ultimate good.  

It is time for you and me to live as those who can never be the same because we have encountered both the great power and the great love of  I AM.  

And in the days to come, when you're questioning, needing, searching, wondering, asking, and struggling, you will find His sufficiency at the end of every desperate prayer.  When you cry out all the things that you are not, you'll know His answer is, I AM.

Lord, protect my son.

I AM.

I'm not sure why I'm here.

I AM.

I'm tired.

I AM.

I quit!

I AM.

I can't.

I AM.

I need a drink.

I AM.

I need a lover.

I AM.

Somebody just hold me.

I AM.

What does this great I AM say of Himself?  He says to you and to me:  "I am the way, I am the truth, and I am the life.  I am the resurrection and the life.  I am Savior.  I am Jesus--the solution, the restorer, the builder, the answer, the Wise One, the Coming One, the Mighty One.  I am the Lord and there is no other.  I am God and there is none besides Me.  I am the First and the Last.  I am Alpha and Omega.  I am the Beginning and the End.  I am the Lord, that is My name, and I will not give My glory to another, or any of my praise to idols.  I AM THAT I AM,  and that is My name--My memorial name to every single generation."

That include you, this generation, this time, this day, this hour, this moment.

Who am i to worry?  i am not but i know I AM.

 

We Have A Winner!!

Hi guys, It's me and Jeremy, our week together is fast drawing to a close but we have had a good time.  All the family came in (well all as in my side) his Fofo and Granny-ma (my folks), his sisters and nieces and nephews.  We have eaten and eaten, and eaten and eaten.  Oh my goodness I am so full. 

 Have you ever seen a young man eat a steak that hasn't had red meat in seven months?  Well, I'm just sayin, if you want to better watch fast, cause I've never seen one go so quick.  Everyone at the table just kind of watched in amazement at how fast he ate it.  Then he ate another one.  Goodness, we all started offering him our steaks cause it looked like he needed it.  

Oh, I guess we should get on with the winner of the t-shirts, soooo . . .

Congrats Dawn Jenkins!!  You have been selected by the ever so popular "drawing of the name from the hat."  So, if you will let me know what shirt you want and what size, I will get it ordered and sent directly to you.  Yea!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Good stuff. 

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Thoughts from Jeremy:

To all you ladies, thank you very much for all your kind words and support.  My men and I very much appreciate it.  

Although you didn't win (the t-shirt) doesn't mean you are not a winner cause in our eyes everyone is.  

Thank you for your continued support and prayers.  I know I feel your prayers everyday and I appreciate it.  I thank you for all that you guys do for us when we come home and while we are away.  This is not just a job but a calling and I appreciate your support.  

Your Brother in Christ,

Jeremy Buckley 

He's Home

Kristen and Jeremy are my boy/girl twins.  I remember when they were little listening to their "twin talk."  They have always been close, her picture has always been the first picture in his wallet.  Not the the girlfriend, his sister.  Well, she may be replaced now and bumped down to number 2 in his life, cause now there's "Kelsey."  (pictures later)

Uncle Jeremy meets Hadley.

Or should I say Hadley hears uncle Jeremy for the first time.

Last day of school for KP, brother shows up just in time.

I cannot tell you how many times I have seen this look on his face.

Have a great weekend everyone, I'll check back in some nest week, but I will be on a bit of a break from blogging.  Jeremy and I will be here on Friday to announce the winner of the t-shirt.  

Love to all.

Wordless Wednesday

Titus 2 Tuesday

Thank you Lord for my friend Diane Farmer, who is my featured Titus 2 woman. 

Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good.  Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.  Titus 2:3 - 4 

Thank you Shanda at A Teachable Heart, there you will find other testimonies of Titus 2 women, reaching out into the lives of others, so that no one will malign the Word of God.

My mind is flooded with all the things to tell you about Diane, I'm having a hard time getting them organized, I'll start with the beginning.  I first met her through the Walk to Emmaus community.  She is a musician and there was just something about her, I love to listen to her sing and more than that, I love watching her worship God in music.  She is one of those ladies that decided to pick up the guitar and teach herself how to play after the age of 40, maybe even closer to the age of 45.  She is married to Matt, and the mother of Ashley and Kristen.  We have always enjoyed talking about our Kristen's.  

She and Matt minister to the youth in their community, they are the youth directors in their church and they are always looking for ways to encourage and lift them up.  Ready to listen and always on their knees.  She and Matt also pull a trailer that houses a clean bathroom and washer/dryer to disaster areas.     

She was a big part of my sanity when I had the opportunity to be God 's clay vessel through the role of lay director for a walk in November of '08.  She had been in that position two years prior and lead by the Holy Spirit, she would pick up the phone at just the right time to check on me.  

She has shared her home, her food, her testimony, her wisdom, and her calm encouragement with me and she would share what ever you needed with you, as well.  

She had a dream about me one night, she said she couldn't remember the dream exactly, she thought it had something to do with me and my kids, but the next day she said, "every time I would think of that dream, I would wonder why did I dream about Jerri Ann and I would pray for you."  We hadn't talked since the walk in November.  Turns out it was the same day that I was giving my testimony at a women's ministry dinner at my home church in May.  How about that!  She is my sister in Christ and even though we don't talk often, we still have that tie.  The fact that the Holy Spirit would bring me to her heart during her sleep and she would be on her knees for me the next day brings me a sense of peace and love directly from the Father's heart through the heart of one of His daughters for me.  Amen.  

If you do not know this love that God has for you, I urge you to turn your face towards Him, and ask Jesus into your heart.  He came for sinners, not for judgement, to give us grace, peace, salvation, hope, mercy.  No matter what you have experienced in this life, Jesus loves you so much that he spread His arms wide open and laid on the cross for you.  

She is one of those women whose is an amazing wife, mother, daughter, and friend. And she is a beloved child of the King.  

I am afraid I have not done her justice with this writing, but I promise, if you met her you would love her too.

     

Passionate Blogging Queen of Awe-Summm

I have always wanted to be queen.  Thanks Dawn for passing on the crown.

and now I am one,  ahem,  for the day.  Chuckle, who am I kidding I've been one for-ev-e-rr! (quick what movie was that from?)(Thanks PW).  Just ask the husband.

  

So here's the set up:

1. List seven 7 things that make you  Awe-Summm and then pass the award on to 7 seven bloggers you love (if you want to).

2. Make sure to tag the recipients and let them know that they have won!

3. ALso link back to the Queen, that's me, that tagged you.

I guess that's it.  So now on with the Awe-Summm-ness.  I've never thought of myself that way, so this is totally tongue-in-cheek;

1.  I survived my teens.  That's Awe-Summm, more yet my Mom survived my teens!

2. My children survived me being their mother. Better yet, they love me!

3. My friends are my sisters in Christ, now that's Awe-Summm!

4. My step-children love me, or at least like me.  Now this is reeaalllly Awe-Summm!

5.  My man has stayed married to me, even though I am from another planet than he.  Awe-Summm.

6. God gave me grandchildren, they are a crown to the aged.  It's hard to think of me as "aged" but I guess that's what I am, cause I got me some children's children. Awe-Summm.

And 7th. Christ, He healed the blind so that I could see, He gave me ears to hear and He changed my heart so that I could love.  THAT'S Awe-Summ-ness-est!

Seven 7 blogs to nominate:

1. I'm going to return the favor and send this one to Gail  from Down Under, she is a sister in Christ and a faithful follower of Christ.  She gave her testimony at her church not long ago and that is something that is awesome.

2. Jill,  at a Pocket Full of Posies, I have just began reading her blog, she is a creative person and she inspires me to keep trying and just let the creativity flowing.  Which is hard to find, Awe-Summm.

3. Janera at My Garden Hat  She's been on a blog break but I think she will be back in a few weeks, so here's one more thing to work with.

Sorry, I think that's it, 

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My Passionate friend from Down Under has given me an award.  Thank you Gail.  She is passionate about her Savior Jesus Christ.  I love that about her.  

1.  I am Passionate about Jesus.  His Names, His Word, His life, His Spirit, His Father.  When I was new in my faith I found a poster with all His names on it.  I didn't know at that time that Jesus had other names.  I loved the first name listed, Prince of Peace.  I have learned that we may get older but there is still that little girl or boy in all of us.  And this little girl never stopped wanting her Prince to rescue her and carry her off on a white horse, white picket fence, white house on the hill.  Only I was no princess.  I turned my eyes to Jesus, his love, complete and perfect, changed my heart to see the ones standing before me in a love I had never known.  Now I have my Prince of Peace and my knight in shining armor.  

2.  I am passionate about our kids.  We are a blended family I had two girls and a boy and he had two boys and a girl.  That's right, we're the Brady Bunch.  I am passionate about these kids.  I celebrate their lives with them and watch in amazement as they have stepped out into the world as adults.  Whew, you thought raising teenagers was scary, try letting go and watching your little birds fly.  Some were more ready than others but fly they have.    And then they came back with little ones of their own.  "There are but two things we should give our children; one is roots the other wings."  author unknown

3.  I AM passionate about the grandchildren.  We have been blessed with 6 and we have two on the way.  They are a "crown to my age" Proverbs 17:6, they are so precious.  I stand in amazement at how God created us.  I will never as long as I live forget the first time I saw Sarah really show that she was excited to see her Nanoo.  And the time that Tyler and I had our first conversation.  He was not talking yet, probably around 6-9 mths old and we made sounds back and forth.  It was a conversation and those who were standing around watching knew it too.  And Caleb,  what a beautiful little boy, he is a lover.  Then came Sydney, whew you want to see some blue eyes, this little girl has them.   Then there is Nicholas.  A couple of weeks ago when his family came to stay with us, I was amazed at how the bigger kids didn't faze him at all.  He was right there with them, running in the backyard whatever they were doing.  And ooh, baby Anah Grace, she just smells sweet.  We made a ton of eye contact the other day when she was here and I got her to smiling.  And she has those sweet baby cheeks.  Danya's kids have the best cheeks. And smart.  That was just a sentence in on it's own, they all are!  

Sarah is almost 7 and Tyler is 6 and Caleb is almost 5, Syndey is almost 2 and Nicholas is 16 months, Anah is two months and Hadley is due in August and baby eight is due in December.  It can get pretty exciting around here.

4.  I am passionate about taking pictures.  I won't call it photography because I don't know enough about the whys and the hows to know what the heck I just did, but the pictures still come out good.  I am in the process of learning about the whys and hows.  Photography is my one of my missed callings.  I started a photography class back in my early twenties but then I met a guy and turned in another direction, I got great kids as a result of that diversion, which is way better and great subjects for photography but, I never finished that class.  Now my mind doesn't retain the information I read as well.  I think I've got it, but then I get away from the book and realized I don't have it.  Bummer.  But that's okay, I'll get it.

5.  I am passionate about Christ.  I said that already but Christ deserve another mention.  I am passionate about sharing my testimony with others.  I have walked quite a journey in this world and it tore me up.  By telling others how broken I was and how Christ gently took my hand and walked me out of that pit, then they too will know that they can trust their lives to Him.  I have shared this testimony almost a dozen times, and it is the desire of my heart that God will continue to open doors for me to tell our story again.  I am most passionate about Christ.

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Now for the business of awarding:

1. Put the logo on you blog.

2. Write 5 things you are passionate about apart from blogging, cause we all know this thing can consume you.

3. Tag 5 other people. 

The 5 Bloggers that I want to pass this on to is:

1.  Dawn at The Daughter of The King of Kings.

2.  Bethany at Happy As Can Be.  

3.  Charla (SHar-la) at Cowgirl A Heart.

4.  Jill at A Pocket Full of Posies.

5.  Belinda at Eddins Four.

As you know, "it's not love until you give it away," .