All You Did Was Stop Smiling...

I lost a baby in my first trimester two months before Troy was conceived. Naturally, there was a lot of excitement to find out we were expecting again. As soon as Troy was born, the doctor said to me, "Cheryl, I kept waiting for you to scream out or something. But, all you did was stop smiling."

I guess that's right. But having a baby is hard work and takes concentration. I suppose it is okay to stop smiling long enough to welcome in 8lbs, 14oz, & 22" of joy!

Troy Dale has never met a stranger. He has grown up to be a responsible, respectful, compassionate young man. He is one of my biggest blessings, I am his biggest fan, and I am honored that God chose ME to be his momma:)

The Little Girl Who Was Almost Born At Church Camp...

The Little Girl Who Was Almost Born At Church Camp…June 30, 1982

(as told by her proud mother) 

This is the story of my baby girl's entrance into this world at CHURCH CAMP. Although she was not born at the camp, that is where I went into labor with her. We went to Thorp Springs Christian Camp, Granbury, TX with the church group from Everman, TX in the summer of 1982. My husband was a counselor for the boys, and I was helping in the kitchen with my parents. Samantha’s grandparents, my sisters and I had worked several summers at ACYC (Arlington Christian Youth Center) as cooks when I was a teenager. 


To look at her today, you would not have believed she came into this world 6 ½ weeks premature weighing only 4 lbs., 14 oz. and measuring 17 inches long! I went to the doctor prior to leaving for camp and got an okay that all was fine and going along as scheduled. In fact, we had only attended one Lamaze class, and I only knew one type of ‘breathing’ for the entire labor and delivery! 


During the day Tuesday at camp, I sat on the steps of the pool getting some sun. Doreen Pigg & Colleen Moore shared their labor and delivery stories with me. A few hours later, to my dismay, I found I had gotten way more sun than I had bargained for. My legs were bright red and very painful. Of course, this would soon be forgotten and replaced with a much more important concern! 


On Tuesday evening (actually Wednesday morning) after midnight, I woke up to discover that my water had broken. My daddy went to the boys cabin to wake up Mike and tell him we needed to get to the hospital. He really didn’t have to wake him up because Mike had JUST gone to bed after staying up with the boys. 


It was an hour’s drive to the hospital, and when we arrived there were lots of doctors and nurses tending to me. They, of course, were very concerned with the premature labor, but it could not be stopped at this point. My parents stayed throughout the night. My mom was especially excited about becoming a Mamaw before she turned 40. She turned a very young 39 the day after Sam’s arrival. Of course, since Sam’s birth, Mamaw’s birthday has since taken a backseat! 


Back at camp was a different story. The news of Sam’s impending birth spread quickly and soon prayers were being lifted all over. Her Aunt Cindi was a counselor at the time (her Aunt Cristi was a camper). Aunt Cindi thought it was a ‘false alarm’ after my hearing Doreen & Colleen’s stories earlier that day. In the early morning, I’m told the entire camp met under the tabernacle and joined hands for a giant prayer chain. Every activity that day was begun with a special prayer for me, Mike & Samantha.  


Of course, we had no idea how long labor would be, but figured it might be awhile. Another factor in this is that my daddy was the cook for the camp. Mae Ray & Genie Maddox (two church ladies - and close family friends - taking over for him) were very concerned about preparing breakfast without my daddy – and they weren’t sure how they would fair without him. 


Samantha’s papaw is famous for his excellent cooking, and homemade biscuits were on the menu for Wednesday morning’s meal. Mae was awake all night worried how they would pull off making homemade biscuits. She was trying to think of the closest grocery store that would have enough canned biscuits – just in case.  


There were numerous calls back and forth from the hospital to the camp regarding my well-being, the baby and, of course, the biscuit issue. Finally, daddy went back to Granbury, prepared breakfast and set everything out they would need for lunch. He was so concerned Sam would arrive in the couple of hours he was gone.  


Samantha has been a people-pleaser from the beginning – she was kind enough to wait for her Papaw’s return to the hospital and was born at 12:52 p.m. on Wednesday afternoon.  Mamaw was so happy to have another ‘little girl’ to go shopping for again. She also had a TON of pictures by the time Sami was brought home. Aunt Cindi & Aunt Cristi were VERY UPSET they were unable to go to the hospital until later Wednesday evening. Aunt Cindi remembers seeing a face mask tied around Sam’s tiny bottom instead of a diaper – the preemie diapers would fall off! 


Although she was tiny, and initially hooked up to all kinds of wires and machines, she came home within one week - weighing only 4 ½ lbs.  Since Sam was so tiny and premature, the doctor advised that no one except parents & grandparents be allowed to hold her until after she was two weeks old. We were advised not to take her to church or other public places until she was six weeks old.  


She continued to grow and thrive (rather slowly at first) and has become a beautiful young woman. Samantha’s servant heart and sweet spirit only adds to her beauty. Her commitment to God can surely be attributed to the many fervent prayers offered on her behalf during her eventful delivery.  All are blessed who know her. I know that God gave me the most precious gift of all when He sent me Samantha. 

HAPPY 30th BIRTHDAY SAMANTHA!!!

--
Yes - she's heard this story MANY times. In fact I read it to her in front of her friends when Papaw & I drove up to surprise her at Copper Basin Camp when she was in college. But that's what happens, and it's a mother's prerogative to get to tell it over & over again...

It's A God Thing...

So Brady is set to graduate in August - FINALLY - after ???? long years of college and his working full-time as a teacher's aide at our local school district the last five years. We are very grateful for the invaluable experience he has gained - while also realizing without a doubt he is indeed MEANT to be a teacher.

However, this all came with a hefty price tag attached. He took a $38,000 a year pay CUT when he walked in that school building five years ago. To say we live on a VERY strict budget - and month to month - is NO exaggeration. Remember: I work as a registrar for the same school district, too.

Now back to the title for this post: IT'S A GOD THING. Brady must take two teacher exams to be certified. Each one costs approximately $120. He is ready to take the first one, but like I said all our money is already spoken for when payday rolls around.

Yesterday's mail comes, and he tells me, "here's the money for my test." It was a check from our escrow account in the amount of $128. He is now scheduled to take his PPR exam on May 10 @ 7:30am. Prayers would be appreciated.

Gotta love these God things...

Calling Mom vs Facebook Post

This is for all you empty nesters (or close to it) - especially those with college students away from home. Actually it is for the KIDS not the parents. Top 5 things parents would prefer getting a phone call - at the least a TEXT - anything besides having to find out from reading it on your Facebook wall:

5. You've suddenly acquired lots of DOWN TIME to pick up new hobbies (translation: you are now unemployed).

4. The ticket you got - AFTER THE CAR ACCIDENT YOU HAD - was totally unfair!

3. You're in a relationship OR You're Engaged OR You're Single - i.e. status change. Now I know this one doesn't seem like a big deal, and probably isn't to a lot of you. But it's still a courtesy thing, I think.

2. Driving cross-country on a road trip. This again is a courtesy thing which goes back to the days of: What if you have an accident? Where would we look, etc.

And the #1 Thing to Call/Text Home vs FB Post: Getting hit by a car while WALKING home.

Parents reading this will understand right away EXACTLY what I'm talking about. Their kids may be rolling their eyes. Kids please know this: parents love you & think about you even when you're not around. That's why we check your FB so often. More than that we pray for you - without ceasing. Apparently my prayers for safety were answered today.

And yes, NOLEN, was the inspiration for this blog post. But to be totally fair to him, I did receive a phone call with regard to #4 - several years ago when he was living in Phoenix, AZ.

94 Funerals and, Well, Not So Many Weddings...

94 total funerals in 50 years! And that's just what I've counted since this afternoon.
26 family members
10 school age or younger
15 under 30 yrs. which includes:
4 suicide
4 drug/alcohol related
2 gun-related fatalities
2 infants

So here's the deal with what appears to be a rather large number of funerals I have attended in my lifetime: this is something my family has ALWAYS done - ALWAYS! Going to funerals/family visitation as a young child was as normal as going to church for my family.

The first funeral service that I can still recall was one of an 11 yr old boy. I was only 10 yrs old, and they went to church with us. I remember the family walking in, his sister (same age as me), his parents with his mom, very large and pregnant with a black dress and black hat and a black veil covering her face. Even in 1972 that was unusual. I remember the preacher talking how Scotty liked going to Six Flags Over Texas.

I remember the first funeral I had to take my youngest son to out of necessity. He was with me at work before he went to kindergarten that day. I guess the funeral was "in between". We get to the church, then all settled in our seats. The service is fine, and we get ready to go when Troy stops me to whisper "don't we get cake & punch?" Apparently, my children had attended more weddings than funerals:)

So out of 94 services only 26 are family members. The others are friends or family members of friends. I don't go because I know all of these people. I go because I care for their loved ones. The ones left behind. I go because I want them to know that when they walk into the chapel or church they will see a familiar face from work or church or school and know that someone is thinking of them and cares about them and their loss. That's why people go to funerals. Remember that next time you are at a funeral: whether for your loved one or going to support a friend.

This really isn't as depressing as most people think. I usually leave a funeral - now being called a CELEBRATION OF LIFE service - feeling as though I know the person pretty well...and having added another family to my prayer list:)

The Birthday Girl...

It's my birthday, and this is what is on my mind EVERY birthday - and many days in between: my grandma. I'm really sad because this is my 10th birthday without my grandma. Her birthday was two days past mine. I was always her "birthday girl". I have SO many birthday poems written to me from her. This is one of my favorite:

GOD SENT ME YOU
You were an early birthday gift
In nineteen sixty-two
A "very special one" you were
That's why God sent me you. 

Year by year at birthday time
As we celebrate our days
I knew that God sent me you
To give me joy always. 

Many gifts I have received 
All down through the years
Yet since God sent me you
No other gift compares. 

A "living birthday gift", that's you
With your smile and loving way
No wonder God sent me you
To share my special day. 

Love always, Grandma Irene, Feb. 16, 1977

I am SO much like my grandma: I like to think in GOOD ways (passion to serve God & others, thoughtful, encouraging, love of young children). However, I have also inherited her forgetfulness, struggle with self-esteem, clumsiness, and eagerness to please everyone. That's okay. I am proud to say that all I am I owe to her: the good, the bad and the ugly. I don't think she would mind. I spent many hours of my childhood in her home & she in ours. My goal now is to be THAT kind of grandparent to my grandbabies. I love you & miss you, Grandma, on this birthday, and every day.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
On a lighter note concerning birthdays, this is a really big one this year: 50. If you are not there yet, let me give you a little peek. LADIES: you know you are 50 (or very,very close) when:

*you have a small heater AND small fan in your office (and/or beside your bed)
*these are both within your reach and may be turned on/off interchangeably within SECONDS of each other: regardless of the season/outside temperature
*you are in the market for (if you don't already own) one of those 'cooling' pillows
*your closet has clothes that range from 'skinny' to 'fat' sizes

No worries though: like they say, "this, too, shall pass" and besides GOD IS GOOD - ALL THE TIME!

Sunday Mornings Are My Favorite

I love Sunday morning worship. Yes, we have an amazing song service (yea Andrew!). And yes the sermons are always just what I need to hear (thank you, Karl!). But one of my FAVORITE things is looking around at all our beautiful young families. I start out counting how many babies we will have in our Cradle Roll Bible Class in just a little while. We are averaging 13-14 babies every Sunday now. Cradle Roll could be another entry by itself: I take photos each week to email to our moms. What an honor and blessing to work with our babies each week.

Another favorite part is when one of our young boys goes up to the stage/podium and reads a scripture just before the minister starts the sermon. Surely the young boys would be nervous, but they certainly don't seem to be. Perhaps it could be because of the prayers of his proud parents (and usually grandparents) - who are most likely reciting verbatim beneath their breath the scripture he is reading because they have all practiced every day all week for this very moment. Even his younger siblings are anxiously awaiting his return to their pew so they can give him a congratulatory hug.

So yes, Sunday mornings are my favorite. Hard to get up, but still my favorite. Get to go to church: sing songs of praise, hear an uplifting sermon, mingle with the family of God, and get quite a workout with at least a dozen infants.

The above picture is a photo of the young boys sitting in front of me Sunday morning. I could not resist pulling out my camera for this shot when one friend put his arm around the other.

I Like To Move It, Move It......NOT!!!!

So the title of this blog entry is referring to EXERCISE...yes, I said it: the 'E' word. My sister and her daughter have lovingly invited me to join them on Saturday mornings (as well as one afternoon during the week) for a light workout. I say LIGHT - only because it only takes us NINE minutes to complete, but have been assured by the medical professional in charge that each workout is the equivalent of 45 minutes on a treadmill. I'm sure nine minutes sounds like a breeze to many people but tell that to these 49.99 year-old legs that have not RUN since AT LEAST 6th grade P.E.! Not to mention these poor LUNGS - which even though I've never smoked a day in my life nor been anywhere near a coal mine, I fear I may have two 'black' lungs (isn't that a disease?).

But we only run for 1/4 of the "routine" as my sister enthusiastically calls it. In fact, my sister calls me Thursday pm to tell me about the "routine" they learned. Okay, silly me, I'm thinking high school DRILL TEAM routine, so SURE I can do that - sign me up:) Whatever!! Oh and I now have an entirely new set of adjectives for joggers/runners: crazy, disturbed, insane, looney, etc.

But I am determined to go back for more punishment because my kids tell me I will feel better and have more energy. I've also heard what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. I suppose that remains to be seen.

Attn: The UN-Courageous

This is an open prayer for all the UN-COURAGEOUS spouses out here. It will refer to the men even though I know there are wives & mothers who do the same thing.

However, I have personal experience when my husband of nine years did not come home from work one night. That weekend he decided to walk out on me and our three young children (ages 7, 5, and 2). I spoke with him before he actually moved out. I was told we were a burden to him. It's been over 22 years, and there are just some words that will never be erased from your heart.

Since then God has truly "blessed the broken road" and lead me straight to Brady who married me five years later. He has graciously become the dad he didn't have to be; walked 'our' daughter down the aisle when she got married; being Gramps to our grandchildren; being the financial, emotional & spiritual support needed in our family.

Wow - I really did get sidetracked. Here's my prayer to the husbands who have suddenly proclaimed they no longer and/or never did love their wife, who are tempted right now to walk out of their marriages, wives and lives of their children:

Dear Lord,

I pray now for You to grab Satan and the stronghold he has on this man's heart. I pray that You reclaim him as Your son and that he run back to You as his Father and also back to his wife. Praying for Him to put away all foolish notions in his mind: whether it be due to depression, sickness or stress. I pray for all the amazing memories of falling in love with his wife to come flooding back. Memories of their wedding day, starting their family, building their home together. Memories of raising their children together in YOUR church, Lord, to trust and love You. May all these precious memories HAUNT him until Satan's evil ideas of leaving his family flee his mind.

May he fully repent to YOU first, Lord, and then to his wife and precious kids. Please torment his mind with thoughts and pictures of his children growing up until he realizes that YES he DOES love his wife and always has - even in the dry spells.

Remind him to be THANKFUL for his family: his most prized blessings of all. Without them, he has NOTHING of value on this earth. Please bring people into his life 24/7 that will lead him back to his family: whether he's at home, at work, the store, wherever he may be. May even HIS family be supportive of his wife & kids and be praying for full reconciliation of his spirit to You and his wife.

Again, praying fervently for Satan's hold on him to be broken - no, CRUSHED!- and for a hedge of protection to be placed around his heart.

Lord, I know I've prayed a lot for this husband, but my heart is so heavy right now for his wife. Please place Your big, warm, loving arms around her & the kids. Help them each feel Your reassurance that IT IS WELL. Let them know Your peace, sweet peace.

Lord, we thank You for the gift of Your son and all You give us each day. Without You we would not survive days and trials such as these. Please bring a smile to this wife's face today just knowing she IS loved and special to so many.

In Jesus name. Amen.

If You Can't Say Anything Nice....

If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all.

A simple life-lesson taught to most of us as very young children. However, I've noticed there are many adults that do not adhere to it.

I know we all have the occasional bad day when things do not go our way. This saying reminds me more of gossip and mean-spirited, malicious talk. Some may see it as "innocently" passing on information. FYI: just because it is true doesn't mean you have to repeat it.

Next time you are tempted to pass on some juicy tidbit of gossip or news, STOP. Think how you would feel if YOU were on the OTHER end.

Hmmm, that brings me to another very important lesson: The Golden Rule (treat others - EVEN IF THEY AREN'T IN THE SAME ROOM WITH YOU - like you want to be treated).

Go - spread the word...