Hidden Treasures
25 Jun 2009
Susanne Scheppmann
"And I will give you treasures hidden in the darkness—secret riches. I will do this so you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, the one who calls you by name." Isaiah 45:3 (NLT)
Secrets. Riches. Mysteries. Treasures. These words bring spine-tingling excitement. Around the world, Pirates of the Caribbean became an unexpected blockbuster movie. The Indiana Jones DVD series, after over twenty years, sells consistently as a top gift item. Adventure novels prevail in the bestselling book lists. The hope of finding treasure enthralls us.
This applies to followers of Christ as well. We read in Matthew 13:44, "The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure that a man discovered hidden in a field. In his excitement, he hi d it again and sold everything he owned to get enough money to buy the field" (NLT). When I read this verse, it makes me ponder the last time I felt excitement over the kingdom of God. To be truthful, my excitement is usually based on the "performance" of God in answering my prayers.
However, the Lord doesn't promise to answer every one of our prayers as we expect. But He does promise to reveal treasures hidden in darkness. Sometimes our seemingly unanswered prayers are the secret riches that God wants to reveal to us. It reminds me of lines from the old Garth Brooks' song, Unanswered Prayers. "Sometimes I thank God for unanswered prayers…Some of God's greatest gifts are unanswered prayers."
Instead of acknowledging this truth about prayer, I find myself waiting and watching for the expected results of my prayers. What I should be doing is seeking God for who He is. God told the patriarch Abram, "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very gre at reward" (Genesis 15:1, NIV, emphasis added). So God, Himself, is the great treasure that I need to unearth. He has promised we will find Him when we search for him with an intentional attitude. "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart" (Jeremiah 29:13, NIV).
Today I desire to change my shallow-hearted expectations of God. I want to seek Him and His Kingdom as if I am an explorer on a treasure hunt. Right now, I choose to know God, seek Him, and treasure Him.
Dear Lord, teach me to search for the hidden riches of Your Kingdom. Help me to seek You with an excited heart. Remind me that the answers to my prayers are only the beginning of a relationship with You --You are the treasure! In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
Birds in My Mustard Tree by Susanne Scheppmann
The Character of God: Understanding His Heart for Us by Brian T. Anderson and Glynnis Whitwer
For more from Susanne, visit her blog as well as her resource page.
Application Steps:
Today when you pray, intentionally ask God to reveal Himself to you in a new way. Ask Him to reveal to you "treasures hidden in the darkness—secret riches." Begin a journal of God's revelations of Himself to you.
Reflections:
Am I disappointed when my prayers are not answered in the way I expect?
How can I better search for the secrets and treasures of God's Kingdom?
Do I believe that the Lord is the greatest treasure?
Power Verses:
Colossians, 2:2-3, "My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." (NIV)
Matthew 6:21, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (NIV)
Philippians 4:19, "And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." (NIV)
© 2009 by Susanne Scheppmann. All rights reserved.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Truly Blessed WV Style
For the past 2 years Eric has gone to Montana with a group of men and ladies to help frame a church through CACB. The group is put together by Johnye Horton and another guy name Glenn and Scott Payne at our church has gather the men and women for the last 3 years to join these Alabama people. I have always wanted to go but have not been able to in the pass. So last year they said this year they were going to West Virginia and Eric invited us to go with him. I said yes from the get go but I have to admit as time got closer and rather or not he had a job or not I started thinking about not going. I could while he was gone redo our bedroom and surprise him when he got back but with my luck as it has happen in the last 2 years our AC would have gone out and I would be in a sauna (by the way I kidded him and told him that is why I wanted to go so I could have AC). Also, I question rather to go cause Scott & Allison were not going and there kids would not be there to hang out with my boys and there are such veterans of this I needed some kind of leadership of what to do from somebody I knew. But Shannan & Johnn were going so I had a friend with me and the boys could hang out with there kids even though they are opposite sex or not the same age they will adjust so I was like ok I will go... Then the big surprise was that Steve and Vickie West were coming too and spending until Thursday with us and I was excited to spend a half a week with them so I was game and we will let God work out the job thing. So last Saturday June 13th we take off to church to meet 4 other families to caravan. With a busy week of VBS and work I was totally surprise we were able to meet them at 8am. So with a stop for gas and then almost 1hr 1/2 stop at McDonald's (we had 10 kids under the age of 8 and they needed to play) through the 3 toll booths and the fancy tunnells we finally made it to our hotel about 4. Now remember I work for a company I get good discounts with Marriott and Hilton hotels so when we walk into Stone Lodge I was a little in awe for moment. It was clean but just old and out dated and at first they put us down on the first floor (the lobby and the main part of the hotel was on the 2nd). When we walked down the steps I felt like I was in a dungeon and our room was all the way down the hall with them remodeling, not the greatest smell and dark I just told Eric I can't stay down there for a week so requested to be moved up to the 2nd level and whatever old smell it had in it they cover up with some kind of orange air freshener and a lot of it. We met up with everybody else that had came and that night we went to Susannah Baptist Church in Ona West Virginia to hear DJ preach. It was an old church I think built back in 1893 and was different than our new church.. Julie & Frank sang for us that night and these people did not clap their hands like we do I don't think I even saw a head bobbing it was nothing like our worship service. DJ did a great job preaching as usual and we got to meet their preacher Tracy and he did a call to the altar to pray and almost all the people from their church went up and then preacher Tracy ask another guy to start off in prayer and another to end it well I thought just the 2 of them were going to pray boy was I wrong. I think they did what you called corporate prayer well that one starts and then everybody prays OUT LOUD and it goes on for like 10 mins and then the guy that ends it closes it all up. I have to admit I had a hard time praying cause it was new to me and I was distracted. I honestly thought at one moment maybe staying home and redoing our bedroom sounded good this is not Anderson Mill Road and this is not even Sunday service what is going to go on tomorrow. Afterwards we had a informational meeting and then my family along with the West and the Manely took off to Steak & Shake to eat supper along with half of the AL folks... We got back to the hotel and said our good nights and plan to meet in the lobby at 10:30 to go to church.
Sunday service was a HUGE turning point for me... There choir loft was full and as much as I love our choir those people had passion durning singing they just didn't raise a hand they said out loud Amen, not just grown women shedding tears but also grown men. The songs they were singing with passion was bringing to life the grace we have that our Jesus died on the cross for everyone of us, He died for our sins they brought to life the grace that we have. These were not like what we sing these were the old hymnals songs with just a piano and guitar. There was even a couple of them that gave testimony in between the songs. I don't know these people just meet them but let me tell ya I was crying and thanking God the whole time for who He is and what He did for a sinner like me. There time to shake hands they called it fellowship and the choir sang and there were several people that walked around and shook EVERYONE including the kids hands, there were smiles on there faces. I felt the presence of the Lord all in that church. It was truly amazing. DJ did a wonderful job as usual and he even told us that we would hear the same sermon the next Sunday but he brought to life the scripture for what fitted their church and he brought to what fit our church. I love our church but I got to experience a small faith, family church and it was amazing. I knew then why God brought me here... Sunday after church we went to Sonic to have lunch and catch up with Vickie and enjoy fellow shipping. We didn' have much time afterwards cause the church was hosting a picnic for us at park at 5... If you are ever in Barbarasville, West Virginia you have to go to the park. I think I would move just so I could go everyday.. It is down this road and off the beaten path there were ball fields, playgrounds, basketball and tennis courts picnic shelters and the one we had had the most beautiful view of a lake w/ a fountain in the middle and the it surrounded by beautiful green mtns there was a walking trail around it, benches, swings it was soooooooo peaceful. On the other side was woods with trails for bike riding or walking we even saw a deer up in there (we saw alot on the side of the roads or up on train tracks). The park was just BEAUTIFUL and to see God creation in that beauty was amazing. The folks at the church pulled together and brought in all kind of side dishes and desserts, made hamburger and hotdogs they even had tubs of homemade ice cream and I have to say the banana was WONDERFUL! They all put it together, serve and clean it up and socialize with all of us. I just smile thinking of that day. We had a good time fellowship, the kids played, The Stribling, Nicholason and Lancaster families fish, Reed caught a turtle. I hate that it started raining cause I could have literally stayed there all day and night. We left and went back to the hotel and the kids swam in the rain and me, Shannan,Vickie went and hung out for a little bit in Julie and Peggy room as Asheton called it we were having a hen party but we were really deciding our day out for Monday and how we were getting to the church since Eric was taking my van and taking a load of men... We got it all settle and went to bed and ready for a busy work week...
What did we do for the week... The men frame the church, hung drywall built a porch, help with electrical all kind of things. Some were out of their element but they were on top of that hill serving the Lord and not complaining at all. Us women we cooked and clean the kitchen the whole week. We had to have lunch done by 12 and dinner by 5:30 every night and we took turns doing it. I learn how to make meatloaf and pinto beans and how to work a grill. We all pitch in even when it was not our turn. The ladies from AL they did our breakfast every morning so if you sign up for lunch you had lunch and dinner. These were not meals that were frozen, they are good homemade meals. I have to admit on my day of lunch they got feed at 12:30 instead of 12 cause of the great onion rings we made and the gas going out of the gas grill and had to wait for more.. Which leads me to Mr. BIlly FLoyd if you don't know him you need to get to know him. He is truly a wonderful man. He loves to tell strangers about God and he is the biggest help. He went walking and flag us down somebody with a gas grill so we could grill the hamburger. He was a great big help. Kitchen duty was great felt humble to be in there crying over onions, eyes burning cause of gas ovens, my feet hurting or should I say my dogs barking, I was way out of my element cooking for that many and cooking meals the way they wanted them but when those men and ladies came in there from being on top of that hill I was honor to serve them..
The kids everyday looked for roly polys, went on hikes, played outside, played DS and watch movies and then everyday April, Amber & Tammy took all the little kids and Stephen and whoever else wanted to swimming at the house that DJ parents were staying at. It was so nice of them also including Tyler and taking him with them even when they just want back to where DJ and Laurel were staying to just watch a movie and chill out. While the kids were off us ladies had a Bible study time with Julie leading it and it was great and she did a wonderful job of allowing God to speak through her. After that we went up the job site and saw the progress and past out Popsicles to the men and took pictures so that is why it looks like they are not working cause I took them at break time..
For night time fun we took the kids to the cold pool at the hotel while we sat around and caught up on the day, Us, the Manley's, the West and Richard went to Billybob's Wonderland one night to play arcade games, laser tag and ride go carts,the church invited the kids to come bowling one night (there youth is kids of all ages). We had a great time that night getting to know the people from the church and the kids. Of course we had another Steak and Shake night for shakes. The older kids met every night in the breakfast room and played Uno and cards. They were together from 8am until 11pm everyday different ages and sex but had fun together.
Thursday night the ladies of the church cook for us again and gave all of us ladies a night off. Of course it was wonderful food again (I would gain so much weight if I lived there). Then afterwards we went to the closing service with DJ dad Johnye preaching and he is good as DJ and the lady that DJ parents stayed with she is in a gospel bluegrass band and they came and played for us it was really good even though that is not the music I listen to alot they were great. After the service we had a moment to share and as much as I wanted to say something I couldn't cause I was crying and I couldn't stop so I knew that I wouldn't be able to say 2 words so I just shook my head yes alot. The guys work Friday until 12 and they got done what they wanted too and after we ate leftovers for the week us ladies stayed and help pack and clean up and getting our home away from home back in order.
So why did I called this truly blessed???
1. God made the way for me to go
2. I got to spend time w/ 2 of my boys and watch my husband do what he loves
3. The people there were so thankful that we were there but I was truly honor that they allow us to come into their world for a week. These people would give you the shirt off their back for you. So, I was the one that was blessed
4. I got to see what it means to say God, family come before everything else. This community loves the Lord ad they loved each other.
5. Julie bible study time
6. Really getting to know Tammy, April, Amber and Laurel feel like they are new friends.
7. Spending the week with Vickie & Steve and the rest of the ladies
8. Spending time and watching the kids play and seeing them laugh and getting to know them was great
9. Have I said that I was truly blessed to meet the folks in West Virgina and from AL
10. To see who God is and serving His people and the beautiful things that he created. Gods grace it amazing.
11. And lastly, what started out about me and turn into about Him and His people.
I will have to say me and Tyler would move to Huntington in a heartbeat and call Susannah Baptist church our church home but since we can't do that I think I have the itch in me move to the country (a little area called Goucher that is between Pacolet and Gaffney). I miss that small close knit group and helping out each other. Even if cell phones were non existence out there in Ona it was well worth not having service to all week except at night.
Continue to pray for the building process of Susannah Baptist and that it will be a building that will bring in lost people and come to know who Jesus is, that lost souls would be saved, for CACB and all the ladies and men that are associated with them. Pray that you will pray about rather to go next year and to be a part of this group, it doesn't matter if you can't build anyting or cook there is something we can find for you. Bring your kids with you and let them help out with building or cleaning up at the site or even in the kitchen. Let them see what it is to serve God. It was a great and awesome experience I can't wait to go next year...
Sunday service was a HUGE turning point for me... There choir loft was full and as much as I love our choir those people had passion durning singing they just didn't raise a hand they said out loud Amen, not just grown women shedding tears but also grown men. The songs they were singing with passion was bringing to life the grace we have that our Jesus died on the cross for everyone of us, He died for our sins they brought to life the grace that we have. These were not like what we sing these were the old hymnals songs with just a piano and guitar. There was even a couple of them that gave testimony in between the songs. I don't know these people just meet them but let me tell ya I was crying and thanking God the whole time for who He is and what He did for a sinner like me. There time to shake hands they called it fellowship and the choir sang and there were several people that walked around and shook EVERYONE including the kids hands, there were smiles on there faces. I felt the presence of the Lord all in that church. It was truly amazing. DJ did a wonderful job as usual and he even told us that we would hear the same sermon the next Sunday but he brought to life the scripture for what fitted their church and he brought to what fit our church. I love our church but I got to experience a small faith, family church and it was amazing. I knew then why God brought me here... Sunday after church we went to Sonic to have lunch and catch up with Vickie and enjoy fellow shipping. We didn' have much time afterwards cause the church was hosting a picnic for us at park at 5... If you are ever in Barbarasville, West Virginia you have to go to the park. I think I would move just so I could go everyday.. It is down this road and off the beaten path there were ball fields, playgrounds, basketball and tennis courts picnic shelters and the one we had had the most beautiful view of a lake w/ a fountain in the middle and the it surrounded by beautiful green mtns there was a walking trail around it, benches, swings it was soooooooo peaceful. On the other side was woods with trails for bike riding or walking we even saw a deer up in there (we saw alot on the side of the roads or up on train tracks). The park was just BEAUTIFUL and to see God creation in that beauty was amazing. The folks at the church pulled together and brought in all kind of side dishes and desserts, made hamburger and hotdogs they even had tubs of homemade ice cream and I have to say the banana was WONDERFUL! They all put it together, serve and clean it up and socialize with all of us. I just smile thinking of that day. We had a good time fellowship, the kids played, The Stribling, Nicholason and Lancaster families fish, Reed caught a turtle. I hate that it started raining cause I could have literally stayed there all day and night. We left and went back to the hotel and the kids swam in the rain and me, Shannan,Vickie went and hung out for a little bit in Julie and Peggy room as Asheton called it we were having a hen party but we were really deciding our day out for Monday and how we were getting to the church since Eric was taking my van and taking a load of men... We got it all settle and went to bed and ready for a busy work week...
What did we do for the week... The men frame the church, hung drywall built a porch, help with electrical all kind of things. Some were out of their element but they were on top of that hill serving the Lord and not complaining at all. Us women we cooked and clean the kitchen the whole week. We had to have lunch done by 12 and dinner by 5:30 every night and we took turns doing it. I learn how to make meatloaf and pinto beans and how to work a grill. We all pitch in even when it was not our turn. The ladies from AL they did our breakfast every morning so if you sign up for lunch you had lunch and dinner. These were not meals that were frozen, they are good homemade meals. I have to admit on my day of lunch they got feed at 12:30 instead of 12 cause of the great onion rings we made and the gas going out of the gas grill and had to wait for more.. Which leads me to Mr. BIlly FLoyd if you don't know him you need to get to know him. He is truly a wonderful man. He loves to tell strangers about God and he is the biggest help. He went walking and flag us down somebody with a gas grill so we could grill the hamburger. He was a great big help. Kitchen duty was great felt humble to be in there crying over onions, eyes burning cause of gas ovens, my feet hurting or should I say my dogs barking, I was way out of my element cooking for that many and cooking meals the way they wanted them but when those men and ladies came in there from being on top of that hill I was honor to serve them..
The kids everyday looked for roly polys, went on hikes, played outside, played DS and watch movies and then everyday April, Amber & Tammy took all the little kids and Stephen and whoever else wanted to swimming at the house that DJ parents were staying at. It was so nice of them also including Tyler and taking him with them even when they just want back to where DJ and Laurel were staying to just watch a movie and chill out. While the kids were off us ladies had a Bible study time with Julie leading it and it was great and she did a wonderful job of allowing God to speak through her. After that we went up the job site and saw the progress and past out Popsicles to the men and took pictures so that is why it looks like they are not working cause I took them at break time..
For night time fun we took the kids to the cold pool at the hotel while we sat around and caught up on the day, Us, the Manley's, the West and Richard went to Billybob's Wonderland one night to play arcade games, laser tag and ride go carts,the church invited the kids to come bowling one night (there youth is kids of all ages). We had a great time that night getting to know the people from the church and the kids. Of course we had another Steak and Shake night for shakes. The older kids met every night in the breakfast room and played Uno and cards. They were together from 8am until 11pm everyday different ages and sex but had fun together.
Thursday night the ladies of the church cook for us again and gave all of us ladies a night off. Of course it was wonderful food again (I would gain so much weight if I lived there). Then afterwards we went to the closing service with DJ dad Johnye preaching and he is good as DJ and the lady that DJ parents stayed with she is in a gospel bluegrass band and they came and played for us it was really good even though that is not the music I listen to alot they were great. After the service we had a moment to share and as much as I wanted to say something I couldn't cause I was crying and I couldn't stop so I knew that I wouldn't be able to say 2 words so I just shook my head yes alot. The guys work Friday until 12 and they got done what they wanted too and after we ate leftovers for the week us ladies stayed and help pack and clean up and getting our home away from home back in order.
So why did I called this truly blessed???
1. God made the way for me to go
2. I got to spend time w/ 2 of my boys and watch my husband do what he loves
3. The people there were so thankful that we were there but I was truly honor that they allow us to come into their world for a week. These people would give you the shirt off their back for you. So, I was the one that was blessed
4. I got to see what it means to say God, family come before everything else. This community loves the Lord ad they loved each other.
5. Julie bible study time
6. Really getting to know Tammy, April, Amber and Laurel feel like they are new friends.
7. Spending the week with Vickie & Steve and the rest of the ladies
8. Spending time and watching the kids play and seeing them laugh and getting to know them was great
9. Have I said that I was truly blessed to meet the folks in West Virgina and from AL
10. To see who God is and serving His people and the beautiful things that he created. Gods grace it amazing.
11. And lastly, what started out about me and turn into about Him and His people.
I will have to say me and Tyler would move to Huntington in a heartbeat and call Susannah Baptist church our church home but since we can't do that I think I have the itch in me move to the country (a little area called Goucher that is between Pacolet and Gaffney). I miss that small close knit group and helping out each other. Even if cell phones were non existence out there in Ona it was well worth not having service to all week except at night.
Continue to pray for the building process of Susannah Baptist and that it will be a building that will bring in lost people and come to know who Jesus is, that lost souls would be saved, for CACB and all the ladies and men that are associated with them. Pray that you will pray about rather to go next year and to be a part of this group, it doesn't matter if you can't build anyting or cook there is something we can find for you. Bring your kids with you and let them help out with building or cleaning up at the site or even in the kitchen. Let them see what it is to serve God. It was a great and awesome experience I can't wait to go next year...
Monday, June 22, 2009
Blog Marathon
I have finally almost gotten caught up on my blogging. From here until Charleston is all new and the only thing left to really blog right now is our West Virgina trip and I will get it done this week. I am going to try and not get this behind again... Happy reading.
Coachwood Acres Girls
Growing up I had a great group of friends and with FB we have all gotten back in touch with each other. So, we planned to meet up at Copper River a couple of Saturday ago to have lunch and catch up with each other and boy did we... We got there about 12:30 and didn't leave until about 4.. I can't wait to do it again, we laugh and talked and it was so good hanging with these girls.
Kim- I met her first when we were 4 yrs old she live on another street but she was some diagnoally across the street. We use to go to her house and play school, play in her playhouse, swim, play tennis, ride bikes and dirt bikes we even built a cool trail in her woods for our bikes... We were friends all the way up through high school. I still have great memories w/ the Skeltons and the high school days.. from her daddy's custom van, the snake in the dryer and another one in the storage room, her downstairs, Wade making fun of our "cookie and milk " parties at some teen club in Greenville, the time we about died in a car wreck trying to take country roads to her house one early morning so we would not pass her mom and dad, prom night, the night I "spent the night" at her house after she had Kaylee and was married... sad thing though she couldn't make it cause Wade and made plans for a day at the lake for them. Yeah, she married the guy that picked on us about our cookies and milk..lol. They are a cute couple. I have not seen her in about 20 something years or even talked to her until we got on FB about 3 or 4 months ago.
Tammy lived between all of us and I can not remember when I met her or how. Her and Kim were best friends and they were a year older than me. I remember a slumber party at her house where we played all those slumber party games. Tammy, was the one that went with me on my first date. We double dated and I was so glad she was there to help me out. I could not tell you when the last time I have seen her or talked to her I am thinking about 25 yrs but it has been great talking to her now and seeing what a sweet and great mother she has become she still looks the same as I remember her I don't think she has aged at all. She didn't get to come either cause of pior conmittments.
Kara lived near Tammy and don't remember how or where we met but I have some fun memories with her too. She had a go cart shape as a van and I thought that was the coolest, swimming at her house, going skating, her mom calling me Fer all the time, the greek people from Pete's hanging out with them, she was always so funny and full of life.. She was younger than me but I stilled like hanging out with her. She also didn't get to come cause of work and it had been about 20 something years too since I have seen her or talked to her.
Jennifer C- she lived right across the street from me and she was younger than us and she was the first one on FB that I hooked up with. She is beautiful as ever and have some great looking kids and married the guy that lived behind me that I thought the world of. She has reminded me of some many things she was even sweet enough to post a childhood pic of me. I remember playing baseball and kickball in her front yard, playing in the bus her brother drove, The Thing, the birds in the house, going to VBS school at her church with her, the weird guy that lived beside her, there is alot of memories with her too.. I have ran into about 8 yrs ago I think and caught up a little with her but it is great to see her and Carlos life on FB and catching up more. She also didn't get to come cause one the kids won in their sport and they had a playoff that day...
Cindy- Oh Cindy, I believe we were friends in elm school but I remember so much of middle school with her, she was my partner in crime and sometimes as much as I hate to admit it we were up to no good.. I remember her mom and dad always funny and sweet, her sign at her pool about P not being in her OOL, the boys oh the boys. We actually dated best friends in 7th or 8th grade and we both broke up with them and she winded up marrying the one I dated.. to funny... the walk from her house to my house and the things we would find sometimes, exlax in milk, all the good times we had in middle school and in 9th grade w/ the same group of friends, going to church with her, the talks we would have, I just smile when I think of her and some of the things she says or does...lol never a dull moment... I am so proud of her... We actually went to lunch for the first time a couple of months ago w/ twin sisters that we hung around with and we had lunch a couple of times since then and talked some.. She did get to come and I was happy to see her
Robbie and Ann they were sister and they lived beside Cindy. I met Robbie in the 4th grade cause her sister Ann told her to come and sit with me cause I looked so cute in my Winnie The Pooh dress and we found out we rode the same bus and live near each other. These girls were like my sisters and we even acted like it sometimes with the fights... I remember spendng the night at thier house or them at mine all the time, going to SHelby w/ them to see their daddy and grandma, going skatig, hanging out at the mall, crusin w/ Ann, playing mystery date and rook, watching Friday 13th in the den in the dark w/ Kim and Tammy too and getting scared to death, beach trips, the talks, getting ready in the morning in Ann's bathroom, parties when our parents were out of town, the wreck me, Robbie and Cindy were in on our way to school, hanging out at school w/ Robbie until she was done w/ cheerleading or track so we could ride together, her white car, and her little sport car, Ann's blue car and lets not forgot lunches her senior year and my freshmen year and skipping once she graduated. Me and Robbie marrying friends our first go around, and our second go around our husband working together. They are still my sister in my heart and always will be.. I have kept in touch with them Ann use to do my hair when I was in Greenville, Robbie got me into accoutanting by giving me my first job, calling each other when we see old high school people on the news. We might have not talked everyday or even every year but we are always there for each other. They are still my sisters. I have not seen Ann in 5 years and Robbie we have had a date night, talks, texting and fb in the last couple of months so like Cindy I love always spending time with these girls.
Hopefully we will plan another outing so we can see the others but I am thankful for FB and catching up with the girls (by the way Coachwood Acres is a the name of the country area we grew up in off of E. Georgia Rd in Simpsonville). I am proud of all the girls and the beautiful women and mothers they have become. I pray to never loose touch with them again and friendship to be continue to grow... Thank you all for a wonderful childhood..
Me, Cindy, Robbie & Ann
Kim- I met her first when we were 4 yrs old she live on another street but she was some diagnoally across the street. We use to go to her house and play school, play in her playhouse, swim, play tennis, ride bikes and dirt bikes we even built a cool trail in her woods for our bikes... We were friends all the way up through high school. I still have great memories w/ the Skeltons and the high school days.. from her daddy's custom van, the snake in the dryer and another one in the storage room, her downstairs, Wade making fun of our "cookie and milk " parties at some teen club in Greenville, the time we about died in a car wreck trying to take country roads to her house one early morning so we would not pass her mom and dad, prom night, the night I "spent the night" at her house after she had Kaylee and was married... sad thing though she couldn't make it cause Wade and made plans for a day at the lake for them. Yeah, she married the guy that picked on us about our cookies and milk..lol. They are a cute couple. I have not seen her in about 20 something years or even talked to her until we got on FB about 3 or 4 months ago.
Tammy lived between all of us and I can not remember when I met her or how. Her and Kim were best friends and they were a year older than me. I remember a slumber party at her house where we played all those slumber party games. Tammy, was the one that went with me on my first date. We double dated and I was so glad she was there to help me out. I could not tell you when the last time I have seen her or talked to her I am thinking about 25 yrs but it has been great talking to her now and seeing what a sweet and great mother she has become she still looks the same as I remember her I don't think she has aged at all. She didn't get to come either cause of pior conmittments.
Kara lived near Tammy and don't remember how or where we met but I have some fun memories with her too. She had a go cart shape as a van and I thought that was the coolest, swimming at her house, going skating, her mom calling me Fer all the time, the greek people from Pete's hanging out with them, she was always so funny and full of life.. She was younger than me but I stilled like hanging out with her. She also didn't get to come cause of work and it had been about 20 something years too since I have seen her or talked to her.
Jennifer C- she lived right across the street from me and she was younger than us and she was the first one on FB that I hooked up with. She is beautiful as ever and have some great looking kids and married the guy that lived behind me that I thought the world of. She has reminded me of some many things she was even sweet enough to post a childhood pic of me. I remember playing baseball and kickball in her front yard, playing in the bus her brother drove, The Thing, the birds in the house, going to VBS school at her church with her, the weird guy that lived beside her, there is alot of memories with her too.. I have ran into about 8 yrs ago I think and caught up a little with her but it is great to see her and Carlos life on FB and catching up more. She also didn't get to come cause one the kids won in their sport and they had a playoff that day...
Cindy- Oh Cindy, I believe we were friends in elm school but I remember so much of middle school with her, she was my partner in crime and sometimes as much as I hate to admit it we were up to no good.. I remember her mom and dad always funny and sweet, her sign at her pool about P not being in her OOL, the boys oh the boys. We actually dated best friends in 7th or 8th grade and we both broke up with them and she winded up marrying the one I dated.. to funny... the walk from her house to my house and the things we would find sometimes, exlax in milk, all the good times we had in middle school and in 9th grade w/ the same group of friends, going to church with her, the talks we would have, I just smile when I think of her and some of the things she says or does...lol never a dull moment... I am so proud of her... We actually went to lunch for the first time a couple of months ago w/ twin sisters that we hung around with and we had lunch a couple of times since then and talked some.. She did get to come and I was happy to see her
Robbie and Ann they were sister and they lived beside Cindy. I met Robbie in the 4th grade cause her sister Ann told her to come and sit with me cause I looked so cute in my Winnie The Pooh dress and we found out we rode the same bus and live near each other. These girls were like my sisters and we even acted like it sometimes with the fights... I remember spendng the night at thier house or them at mine all the time, going to SHelby w/ them to see their daddy and grandma, going skatig, hanging out at the mall, crusin w/ Ann, playing mystery date and rook, watching Friday 13th in the den in the dark w/ Kim and Tammy too and getting scared to death, beach trips, the talks, getting ready in the morning in Ann's bathroom, parties when our parents were out of town, the wreck me, Robbie and Cindy were in on our way to school, hanging out at school w/ Robbie until she was done w/ cheerleading or track so we could ride together, her white car, and her little sport car, Ann's blue car and lets not forgot lunches her senior year and my freshmen year and skipping once she graduated. Me and Robbie marrying friends our first go around, and our second go around our husband working together. They are still my sister in my heart and always will be.. I have kept in touch with them Ann use to do my hair when I was in Greenville, Robbie got me into accoutanting by giving me my first job, calling each other when we see old high school people on the news. We might have not talked everyday or even every year but we are always there for each other. They are still my sisters. I have not seen Ann in 5 years and Robbie we have had a date night, talks, texting and fb in the last couple of months so like Cindy I love always spending time with these girls.
Hopefully we will plan another outing so we can see the others but I am thankful for FB and catching up with the girls (by the way Coachwood Acres is a the name of the country area we grew up in off of E. Georgia Rd in Simpsonville). I am proud of all the girls and the beautiful women and mothers they have become. I pray to never loose touch with them again and friendship to be continue to grow... Thank you all for a wonderful childhood..
Me, Cindy, Robbie & Ann
One Wrong Move
So, I don't have a electronic mind but I really trying to get some great pictures of Tyler end of the year program and his friends and of Stephen graduation and his friends. I did get some great pictures but when I went to download them I only got a few of Tyler and NONE Of Stephen. So, I took pictures of Ryan's cd release concert at church and of Ginger 40th birthday party at Melting Pot. I went to download those and I still only got a few of Tyler and out of 60 of Ryan's I got about 30 and NONE AGAIN of Stephen and now this time of Ginger party. So, I went playing with my camera trying to figure it out. I looked in the book and found no answers. Well, there is a thing on my camera that says "format files" and I hit it and said Ok well what I didn't know it should have said DELETE cause I lost ALL my pictures off my camera (I had over 1,000). I didn't want to tell Eric cause he is a big picture book of Tyler just like his mom did for him. I was in tears but thankfully I have downloaded all that I could on the computer so now I just got to figure out to upload on the CD just in case our computer ever crashes.. It is working right now so I still have no clue what happen.. I can get Ryan concert from Mike cause he took pictures but there is no way to get what I got of Stephen and Tyler and of Ginger b'day. I hate that it happen and hopefully it never will again...
What I did get is on Facebook
What I did get is on Facebook
End of the School Year
Wow, I am sooooooooo glad this school year is over with. It has been a stressful one but a little better than last year. I had 1 in elm, another in middle school and then one in high school so it was all different levels.
Ryan, was in 10th grade and I have to say it was better than 9th grade and he did great until the last semster. We even double block his math so maybe possibly his senior year he could go to Wofford and take his math and get a college credit. If you look at his grades this year you would not believe this but Ryan is SMART, he just does not apply himself and he is happy to just get bad. He slept in class, talked, texted and didn't do the class work but passed all the test. Just think what would have happen if he had done the class and homework... But we passed 10th grade and we are on our way to the 11th that he reall has to settle down and get focus. He helped out with the football team this year by doing something in the booth some kind of status thing and he really enjoyed it. He also blossom out and started hanging out with friends he has not done this much since we left Greer. I am making him do the summer reading and we have to go to school next week to figure out his schedule for next year. We just pray for a good 11th grade year.
Stephen, well he did so much better this year than he did last year. We still had some struggleing parts and some inmaturity and just like his brother he does not like classwork or homework so his grades are not where they should be either but he also passes his test cause just like Ryan he is SMART too but does not apply himself. Don't they understand if they did the class work and homework what great grades they would have. Stephen did get to go to City Range for free at the end of the year cause he reach the goal of how many books read by a certain time. The teacher even called to let me know that he had triple it. He is a reader he even got in trouble in other classes for reading instead of doing homework. We did have one teacher that about drove me and him crazy and I truly didn't get her but we survive and next year will be better hopefully. He did chorus all 3 years and made honors for next year (still will not let me hear him sing).. He didn't get to play any sports this year cause of bad choices last year but he is ready for high school and ready to try out for wrestling and whatever else he can. We pray for a great 9th grade year and hopefully some maturity will come but I do hope he will never loose his fun spririt...
Tyler, his first year in real school he was in K5 and I was worry cause we had held him back last year from letting him start school (his b'day is 8/22 and cutoff is 9/1). He had a great year and he blossom out and made great friends. We were truly blesse with a great teacher and would love to have her again next year. He fell in love with a little girl name Macyi and the stories he shared always crack us up. They couldn't tell their teacher they like each other cuase when they said they were bf and gf his teacher told them they were to young so he didn't want her to know.. He has learn to read, do math, he sounds. We are looking forward to a great 1st grade year.
Say a prayer for next year!!!!!!!!!!!
Ryan, was in 10th grade and I have to say it was better than 9th grade and he did great until the last semster. We even double block his math so maybe possibly his senior year he could go to Wofford and take his math and get a college credit. If you look at his grades this year you would not believe this but Ryan is SMART, he just does not apply himself and he is happy to just get bad. He slept in class, talked, texted and didn't do the class work but passed all the test. Just think what would have happen if he had done the class and homework... But we passed 10th grade and we are on our way to the 11th that he reall has to settle down and get focus. He helped out with the football team this year by doing something in the booth some kind of status thing and he really enjoyed it. He also blossom out and started hanging out with friends he has not done this much since we left Greer. I am making him do the summer reading and we have to go to school next week to figure out his schedule for next year. We just pray for a good 11th grade year.
Stephen, well he did so much better this year than he did last year. We still had some struggleing parts and some inmaturity and just like his brother he does not like classwork or homework so his grades are not where they should be either but he also passes his test cause just like Ryan he is SMART too but does not apply himself. Don't they understand if they did the class work and homework what great grades they would have. Stephen did get to go to City Range for free at the end of the year cause he reach the goal of how many books read by a certain time. The teacher even called to let me know that he had triple it. He is a reader he even got in trouble in other classes for reading instead of doing homework. We did have one teacher that about drove me and him crazy and I truly didn't get her but we survive and next year will be better hopefully. He did chorus all 3 years and made honors for next year (still will not let me hear him sing).. He didn't get to play any sports this year cause of bad choices last year but he is ready for high school and ready to try out for wrestling and whatever else he can. We pray for a great 9th grade year and hopefully some maturity will come but I do hope he will never loose his fun spririt...
Tyler, his first year in real school he was in K5 and I was worry cause we had held him back last year from letting him start school (his b'day is 8/22 and cutoff is 9/1). He had a great year and he blossom out and made great friends. We were truly blesse with a great teacher and would love to have her again next year. He fell in love with a little girl name Macyi and the stories he shared always crack us up. They couldn't tell their teacher they like each other cuase when they said they were bf and gf his teacher told them they were to young so he didn't want her to know.. He has learn to read, do math, he sounds. We are looking forward to a great 1st grade year.
Say a prayer for next year!!!!!!!!!!!
Memorial Day
Memorial day weekend was a weekend of hanging out with friends. On Saturday we went and cooked out with Kim and Scott Hewitt and their family and Kim sister and her husband. It was a great night of food, fellowship and laughter. I guess they like us enough they invited us over again for Sunday supper of ribs and to watch the race that never happen that night. So, we had 2 great nights with our families. Believe it or not with both of blogging and facebook neither of us took a picture...lol
On Monday we went over to our friends Tammy & Dexter Wilson house and cooked out with them, their moms and another family. It was also good food, wonderful fellowship, some funny laughs, and a slow race..
We are truly blessed with some great friends and I love each one of them. I just can't wait to either move or update my house so we can start entertaining more... I love hanging out with them they are like family.
On Monday we went over to our friends Tammy & Dexter Wilson house and cooked out with them, their moms and another family. It was also good food, wonderful fellowship, some funny laughs, and a slow race..
We are truly blessed with some great friends and I love each one of them. I just can't wait to either move or update my house so we can start entertaining more... I love hanging out with them they are like family.
Upward Soccer
For a third year in a row Eric has coach Tyler team in Upward soccer. This year they were Little Tornado's. He did great this year he even score a couple by kicking his left foot(which we can't figure out). The last game he did it and ran to his daddy for a high five hug it was precious. Tyler had a couple of kids he has played with before and a couple that he knew off the field on his team. They were such a great group of kids. New friends were made.
We spent about 6 Saturday's at Dawkin Middle School playing several games at one time. Tyler loves to play and Eric likes coaching him I am even thinking of helping out next year. This is probably one of the biggest opportunity we have to share the gospel and show the love of Jesus. We have had several families join AMRBC cause of Upward. When you see Ryanne, Gabe, Brian or anybody that you know that either ref, coach, or do the snacks tell them thank you cause this can not been done without everyone help.
We spent about 6 Saturday's at Dawkin Middle School playing several games at one time. Tyler loves to play and Eric likes coaching him I am even thinking of helping out next year. This is probably one of the biggest opportunity we have to share the gospel and show the love of Jesus. We have had several families join AMRBC cause of Upward. When you see Ryanne, Gabe, Brian or anybody that you know that either ref, coach, or do the snacks tell them thank you cause this can not been done without everyone help.
Awana's
Another year of Awana has gone and it was a great year. We ended it with a ceremony the Sunday that I came back from Charleston. The kids got rewards for their progress, they sang songs and told bible verses. We even played a game in the sanctuary and did the pledges.
This year Tyler was in Sparky's and he did awesome. He learn his bible verse, he finish his first book, he was excited every Wednesday night to go and learn more about God. I thank all the volunteers for ministering to my child and to all of the other kids.
We started I believe 4 years ago and I help out for 2 years in Sparky's and Eric helped out with the game time. I left about a year or 2 ago and have been hanging out with the youth on Wednesday nights now. Eric on the other hand is still doing games and he still enjoys it. He likes getting out and playing with the kids each week..
In a couple of months we will be back at with Eric and Tyler going to Awana's together and there will be some great people that will give up their Wednesday night to help a child get to know who Jesus is. What a great experience... Thank you all.
I still don't have my picture fix right so here is are the details in each picture...
1. Eric being recongize
2. Tyler singing his Sparky song, got to make sure everyone hears me
3. Tyler getting his certificate
4. The spark of my life
This year Tyler was in Sparky's and he did awesome. He learn his bible verse, he finish his first book, he was excited every Wednesday night to go and learn more about God. I thank all the volunteers for ministering to my child and to all of the other kids.
We started I believe 4 years ago and I help out for 2 years in Sparky's and Eric helped out with the game time. I left about a year or 2 ago and have been hanging out with the youth on Wednesday nights now. Eric on the other hand is still doing games and he still enjoys it. He likes getting out and playing with the kids each week..
In a couple of months we will be back at with Eric and Tyler going to Awana's together and there will be some great people that will give up their Wednesday night to help a child get to know who Jesus is. What a great experience... Thank you all.
I still don't have my picture fix right so here is are the details in each picture...
1. Eric being recongize
2. Tyler singing his Sparky song, got to make sure everyone hears me
3. Tyler getting his certificate
4. The spark of my life
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Father's Day
HAPPY FATHER DAY TO MY WONDERFUL HUSBAND
Eric, came into a relationship w/ 2 little small boys 5 and 3 and he has been a great provider for them ever since then. He has learn over the years on how to be a father. He has taken care of sick little boys, got them to all their sport practices and games, shown them how to ride a wave and build sandcastle, as much as they have hated he has also discipline when they needed it. It has not been an easy road but he has done a wonderful job helping to raise 2 little boys into teenagers that have the respect and kindness at all the right times.
Then we had a our little man Tyler and he has been such a wonderful dad to him since the moment he was born. Tyler adores his daddy and is him made over. He is a a hard worker, provider, protector, helper, loving, caring, and Godly father and I am thankful that God brought him into all of our life. I pray every day for God to guide him and help lead him to the man that he plans for him to be... Happy Father day my love................
Our father day was alot less eventful than our mother day thank goodness..We went to church and then to his mom for lunch, we both took a nap while Gigi was playing w/ all her grand kids. After we left there we came home to do somethings and then went w/ the Hewitt's to eat at Copper River and to Bruster for ice-cream...I was a bad wife and didn't have a gift today but we have been together for the last 8 days so it was hard. I do know what I am getting him so his gift and dinner will be this week.
Thank you God for a wonderful man!!!!!!!!!!
Eric, came into a relationship w/ 2 little small boys 5 and 3 and he has been a great provider for them ever since then. He has learn over the years on how to be a father. He has taken care of sick little boys, got them to all their sport practices and games, shown them how to ride a wave and build sandcastle, as much as they have hated he has also discipline when they needed it. It has not been an easy road but he has done a wonderful job helping to raise 2 little boys into teenagers that have the respect and kindness at all the right times.
Then we had a our little man Tyler and he has been such a wonderful dad to him since the moment he was born. Tyler adores his daddy and is him made over. He is a a hard worker, provider, protector, helper, loving, caring, and Godly father and I am thankful that God brought him into all of our life. I pray every day for God to guide him and help lead him to the man that he plans for him to be... Happy Father day my love................
Our father day was alot less eventful than our mother day thank goodness..We went to church and then to his mom for lunch, we both took a nap while Gigi was playing w/ all her grand kids. After we left there we came home to do somethings and then went w/ the Hewitt's to eat at Copper River and to Bruster for ice-cream...I was a bad wife and didn't have a gift today but we have been together for the last 8 days so it was hard. I do know what I am getting him so his gift and dinner will be this week.
Thank you God for a wonderful man!!!!!!!!!!
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