SC Denneys

Lisel, Lisey, Lou, or Elise is 16!

2011-04-20T21:30:00.003-04:00

Yep, gone are the days of late night feedings, kissing boo boos, and "hold chu mama." Elise is 16. Now my days are filled with running to and fro, being an ATM, and being a listener. Elise has grown into a lady that is after God's own heart. She is slow to anger ( a little faster when it is me), forgiving, and a loyal friend. She has greater qualities than I do. Some of the things she has gone through in the last year...I would have thrown in the towel and said its not worth it but not her!

Elise or Lisey(as most of her friends call her) is 16! To me that is very hard to believe. But one thing I have enjoyed watching is the way she loves. She loves with her whole being. If you are loved by Lou count yourself lucky. She will be with you forever even if you cross her. She has grown into a young lady that I am very proud of. She is a wonderful example of how to be a loyal friend.

Lisel, Lisey, Elisey Lou Lou, or just Elise...I am proud of you and love you very much.

Did you know that Daddy D was the one that started calling you Elisey Lou Lou? Of course, I fussed and said it is just Elise however, Lou as stuck.

Have a great Sweet 16th!

Elise is Set Apart for God

2011-02-04T20:25:00.006-05:00

Ok, I know that most parents will probably say the same things about their children but I am going to say it anyway.

Let me start at the very beginning....Joel and I had been married for five years and one day while traveling from my parents home in Louisville to my Kentucky home in Lawrenceburg it was as if God spoke to me. He told me it was time to have a child. The wierd thing is it was as if He said have a child now because your family will not be around to enjoy him/her. I was thinking about my dad, at this time he had had several heart attacks and open heart surgery. I was beginning to think that something would happen to him. Thank the Lord he is still alive and well.

I can remember going home and waiting for Joel to get home...you have to know when ever Joel brought up having kids I would freak out. I didn't want children, atleast not then. Joel finally came in the back door where I quickly and loudly said to him that I wanted to have a baby. I never have been good at delivering news. Within two weeks I was pregnant.

When Elise was 13 months old, we moved to South Carolina. So part of the message God gave me that day was true. My family was not around to watch Elise grow up.

After we moved here and got involved in a church, of course, Elise went with us, had her church friends, loved her Sunday School teacher, all the stuff with going to church. I was staying at home with Elise then and basically our only outings were to church. So she literally grew up in and around church the second year of her life. As a two and three your old she would "pack" her bags, throw it over her shoulder, and tell me she was going to meet Jesus.

Needless to say, when elise asked Jesus to be her personal Savior at the age of 5 I was not surprised. She actually wanted to wait to be baptized by my father-in-law, so she waited. Thinking one day we would go home to Kentucky and she would be baptized in our home church's baptizmal.

The day that Elise walked down the aisle in church it was not at our home church. She looked at me and just left. On her own free will. She pushed passed me and her dad. We almost had
to run to catch up with her. She was baptized that day. The sky above the river were she was baptized had a rainbow. Leading up to that day I knew Elise was special but on that day I realized that God was setting her a part.

Today she is a leader at her school. She tries to uphold Christian character. Does she fall short of the mark? Yes. Does she always climb back up and live the life that God has intended for her. Yes. Is it hard for her? Yes. Does she risk losing it all? Yes. Does she still love the Lord with all of her heart? Yes.

So the other day I was listening to a podcast of Perry Noble the pastor at Newspring Church. His church can rock the roof off his church. This song is Elise's anthem. This is my Anthem. This should be The Anthem of every Jesus follower.

Wow! God Takes Care of All

2011-01-03T20:01:00.002-05:00

I am not sure why I am amazed that God takes care of EVERYTHING but I am. Let me just tell you just two praises that happened only today.

1st- My computer sort of died on Christmas Eve, two trips to the computer doctor and it is working but it is physo because I can not shut it down while it is plugged into the outlet. When I unplug it and just shut it down with the battery it will shut down. Well, I walked into school this morning a little stressed because once again I was running late. I opened my classroom door and saw a brand new Dell laptop sitting on my desk. It seems WCCS had a donor that donated money for all of faculty to get laptop computers! Praise the Lord! I was going to have to buy a new one but guess what...God took care of that one!

2nd- S0me of you may know that Elise is preparing for her second trip to the Dominican Republic this summer. We have our second payment due on January 21. I am working really hard to raise the money without much support from others. I feel really bad about asking the same people to support her that supported her last year. I know some people have blessed us and blessed us in a big way! This is always a great step of faith for me. Joel and I just can't afford to send Elise on a mission trip each year without those blessings. Well, back to the second payment due on January 21, I had a teacher that came up to me even before support letters went out that knew Elise was going again and she told me she wanted to give towards her trip, then today I turned in another check for $200 to the school for her trip, that is just with two people giving. We pulled into the driveway this afternoon and got the mail, in the mail was another support check. So guess what, the second payment has been paid in full. So now we have a little over one thousand dollars due by April. Do I still get worried about raising the money, you betcha! Do I know that God has cattle on a thousand hills, yes I do! Does Elise feel with all her heart that this trip is paid already, yes she does.

So I will stand back and watch. God still surprises me over and over again! Hold on to your fork, the best is yet to come.

Round one --Check

2010-11-07T19:26:00.003-05:00

Round one in the playoffs. Yep, we won! On to next week.

Holy Ghost Its

2010-11-03T19:02:00.001-04:00

without God
We will be one Nation under

Think about that for a while!

Volleyball

2010-11-03T18:53:00.005-04:00

Elise's volleyball season has been finished for almost a month now. While I was glad for it to be over and the running to be finished. I am sitting here tonight being a little sad. Sad that she will never again have a sophomore year volleyball game. Her team finished undefeated and won the MAC for Christian Schools. It was a fun season and a well deserved Championship.

Our Lives Revolve Around ...

2010-11-03T18:27:00.003-04:00

Even though Elise only plays volleyball, our lives seem to follow sports around the calendar. We have not missed a football game once this year..yes, we are the fans that have been known to travel to away games that are 4 hours away. I laugh at some of the questions I have been asked when we show up at an away game (that really was 4 hours away). You first have to understand that our school is very small, the people that attend WC know us, know Elise. It is the look on their faces trying to figure out why we are at games so far away. Someone asked me this week with a puzzled look..."Mrs. Denney I thought you only had Elise. Do you have a son that plays?" I of course laughed and replied that Kim Watts and I are like family, therefore, her son plays, and well that would be my nephew out there. It is Mark that draws us there but it is also the other guys that have passed through my door in either first and second grade. I loved them then. I loved them like they were my own sons...even if it was only for one year. But it is more rewarding for me to watch their true character played out on the field. The students at WC are good guys, they have thier heads on straight. No, we are not perfect and we all mess up but it is a community that loves each other through those mess ups.

It has been rewarding for me to watch these guys grow up but more rewarding for me to see them grow into the men God wants.

This Friday the Indian will have the home advantage as we enter into the State Playoffs. Westminster was #2 in our division. Wish us luck! GO INDIANS!

Update on Etchings

2010-08-24T21:15:00.002-04:00

Brian Colvin lost his life on the football field on August 14th. However, a teammate and his mother have gained eternal life forever and ever. Hallelujah! What a testimony!

Etchings

2010-08-21T16:01:00.003-04:00

Number 3, is embossed on the back of every players helmet for the season.

I guess sometimes you will never know what will forever be etched on your mind. Those etchings can be one of wonderful memories or one of those memories we would like to forget.

On August 14, 2010, Westminster met the Lewisville Lions on the football field for a simple scrimmage. A celebration of the opening of football season. Westminster and Lewisville had no commonality except for the fact that they were two teams who played football and ultimately wanted to win. What they experienced out on that field was only to be realized after the game and through the time still to come.

During the game one of the Lions, number 3, Brian Colvin, fell on the field. We learned after the game that he had passed away. I will have to stop right there, to let you know that this is something that burdens my heart even now. I wondered how it would effect our team and how in the world would his parent's survive this tragedy. What about his team members? So many questions, I couldn't answer. Still the biggest question of them all is God, why did You let this happen? That question is one I will not ever know the answer to on this side of Heaven.

A week has passed and the Indians took the field for their first home game. There was a different feeling about this game. There were tears glistening in every eye, lumps in every throat, and the number 3 held up by every hand. You see we had special guests. The Lewisville Lions and fans were invited to the game. The team departed from the bus with heart felt applause. Then they were part of us, a part of Westminster, a part of God's family, but most of all a part of God's plan.

The Westminster Catawba Indians and the Lewisville Lions praying at the rock before the game.

The Indians and the Lions taking the field as one team.

I may not ever understand the reasons behind this...I do know that God was very present last night. The way that our team reached out to the Lions and the Lions reached back to us was something that will be etched on my memory. God's plan in action.

Once again, I am reminded of how precious teaching is at a Christian School.

God Appears

2010-08-17T21:45:00.003-04:00

Well, after a wonderful short summer....school is back in session. I will have to say that this year, more than any year, I have had a really hard time with the thought of the first day of school. I am not really sure why. I read a lot this summer, went to the beach, and slept late..really late. It was not an exciting summer by any one's standards, it was just good to be carefree for awhile.

So as summer came to an end, my head was not into starting the year again. I have actually been teaching 19 years, that means 19 first days of school. Everything I did to prepare for this year had to be done twice or maybe even three times. I just could not get settled on anything. Even this morning I had an unsettled feeling.

Then God appeared...My 16 tender hearts started to slowly fill my room. The chatter of 7 year olds excited about the first day of school and seeing each other, cluttered my room. Book bags, supplies, and Kleenex had to be taken care of. The first day, even through the confusion, seemed to be routine for me. As we worked, organized, and got to know each other, my heart swelled... it swelled with God's great love and grace. I can't describe that filling in words. And once again I was reminded that I am where God wants me to be. Even as I write my eyes puddle a little because God is such a huge God. Why would he care about a confirmation to me. He is so big why would he care about a little old me. That answer I will not ever fully understand.

So on the night of the first day of school...I look forward to seeing my little ones tomorrow. I pray that God will be seen in my actions. I pray that His compassion and grace will transform my students lives. I pray that He will work in each of them so that they can develop into the people that He wants. Lord, protect us. Keep us safe. Transform our hearts. Let us draw in and grow us in your wisdom. Thank you touching my heart as only YOU can. Lord, be with us. We love you!

Things We Will Not Understand--This Side of Heaven

2010-08-14T20:59:00.004-04:00

Wow! There are a ton of things I need to do before students return on Tuesday. All which I cannot remember right now. I officially started back to school on Tuesday August 10. The four days that I reported to work were I think busy. It seems like I did a lot of spinning in circles. An example of this is...I was going to put up my bulletin boards, I need my stapler, I opened my desk drawer and then had to clean it out. After I finally dug my stapler out and started my bulletin board, I ran out of staples and had to unpack our supplies for the year. It was one little job after another. This year of all years I just feel scattered. I am not really sure why or if I can collect myself enough to be ready. But, ready or not...the students will return.

Although there are LOTS of changes in the school this year that are good and I am excited about there is a heaviness that my heart holds. We have found out that a dear fellow teacher's husband has leukemia and will begin treatment Monday. So pray for their family.

Another dear fellow teacher's mother has cancer and has taken a turn for the worse. Several of my fellow teachers have had to take their student's to college for the first time.

Then last night, at our football scrimmage, a player from the opponents teams fell on the field and we learned that he passed away from cardiac arrest a short time later. He was a senior, 18 years old. As a parent I cannot imagine the suffering that is to come for this family. It is a shame.

Then I pray, I pray hard, that the Lord will protect us, protect our school, protect our students from Satan's attack. My heart literally cries out for HIS comfort to descend like a blanket. I need to be covered with His grace.

So...I apologize for always writing about doom and gloom. But as I have said before, writing to me is a way to heal. Maybe you can understand about the heaviness of my heart. I know there is hope in Jesus Christ, I know what kind of treasure He is to us, to me. But sometimes I just don't understand all the hurt of our world. I know all of this is His plan but....I guess that is faith in action. So pray with me. Pray Hard! And of course, hold onto your fork the best is yet to come!

Memories!

2010-07-25T21:26:00.000-04:00

As this sweltering heat consumes the air around us my thoughts drift back to a time when I was young. I have said more than once that I grew up on the water. No we didn't have a house on the lake but as far back as I can remember we had boats. In fact, my dad just sold his last one about a month ago.

The boat pictured is not our actual boat just an image that I downloaded that stirred up memories. Gosh, this post would be days long if I told every story about that boat that I have locked away. The funny thing is, I remember giving my parents an attitude about going to the lake because as a grew into a teenager we would go for every weekend and when dad took vacation, we didn't go to the beach, or to the mountains to ski we went to the lake. Usually dad would take 2 weeks off in the summer and away we would go either to Barren River or Cumberland Lake. Did I mention that this boat....didn't have a shower. We bathed in the lake with Ivory Soap!

As an adult I am really glad my parents loaded me and my attitude into the car. Some of my best memories with my parents and brothers were on that Gibson houseboat.

Troy was just a little guy. He wore his life jacket ALL the time. I wonder now if he slept in that thing. Troy had a water mishap as a real youngster and was afraid of water. I am not sure to this day if he loves the water. But boy he loved to fish. Every time he stuck his pole in the water he would pull up a bluegill or crappy. That would be pronounced "croppy" in Kentucky but "crappy"in South Carolina. It will always be "croppy" to me. The lake was where I learned to ski, lost my first ring, and memorized the routes to many hospitals. (Those stories are for another day.)

Back to the sweltering heat, I remember many summer days when we were in the lake, I mean swimming, from as soon as the breakfast dishes were clean to dark. We would only get out to eat and then we would be back in again. Thinking about these times, there was nothing really big it was just spending time together as a family. As I remember, it is bitter sweet. To have that time back....knowing what I know now. I would do things SO differently.

Go out and make memories with your family....I wonder what Elise will remember from her childhood. It won't have anything to do with a lake and well that just makes me SAD!

Daddy, take me to the moon!

2010-07-25T20:54:00.000-04:00

Tonight, Joel,Elise and I went on an ice cream run. On our way home, we saw the moon. It was so close that it appeared to be just 'around the bend.' It reminded me of a time when Elise was young. Years ago we saw a similar sight. Elise was to young to understand just how far away the moon was from us. From the backseat, I can still hear this, "Daddy, take me to the moon." Being too young to understand, Joel told Elise that he couldn't take her. That just broke her heart. You know Daddy does everything for his precious daughter. I think she cried for hours. She didn't realize that the task she had asked was impossible. Although, if Joel could have taken her that night to the moon he would have.

But this got me to thinking about my Heavenly Daddy, the one that will do anything for His precious daughter. My Heavenly Daddy is wonderful. The difference between earthly Daddies and our Heavenly Daddy is simply no matter how much our Daddies here on earth want do for their children some things are just impossible, with our Heavenly Daddy nothing is impossible. When we ask, He Will!

At times when things are not going smoothly, it is easy to forget that or should I say it is easy to remember things of this world. In my mind I have to fight thoughts like: "Why isn't ___ working out my way, _____ isn't fair, or don't I deserve ____?" Then God shows me His marvelous grace. He can take me to the moon! All I have to do is ask and let go! He has the best plans for me. And oh yeah, His plans may not be mine but if I give Him time his plans will be revealed. I just have to be patient ( I really don't like that word), "pull up my boot straps," and remember what I have been called to do. So, Daddy take me to the moon!

Holy Ghost It-- in an unfamiliar way

2010-07-21T20:39:00.000-04:00

This "Holy Ghost It" did not come to me in the usual way! God usually uses church signs to speak to me. This "Holy Ghost It" is from Robbie Foreman's status on facebook. I am not sure if Robbie just posted it or if he had heard or read it somewhere else. Knowing Robbie, I think it probably came from him. For those that don't know, Robbie was our Youth Director at church. He is still dearly loved and thought about often in our family. We miss him but know God is doing great things through him at his new position.

"The damage done to you does not discount the price paid for you!"

Thank you Jesus for paying the price you did for me. I am yet still so undeserving! Amen

My How the Time Flies

2010-07-21T18:08:00.000-04:00

Today is July 21...School is just around the corner. It starts three weeks from yesterday! YIKES!!! Am I ready, you ask and my answer would be Umm....NO! I had a million "projects" I wanted to finished and haven't. I had school work I wanted to finish and didn't. I have school work I must finished and haven't even started. I know that work must be finished and it will be but probably not until the night before the deadline.

I ask myself where does the summer time go. Granted, when I usually don't start my day until 9:00 the day goes pretty quick. I have read more books this summer than ever before, thanks to the wonderful invention of the KINDLE. I have weeded and cleared most of the daisies. I still have two areas that have been invaded that I haven't hit yet and probably won't until fall.

I have had a pretty peaceful summer. I have met friends for lunch, have ran Elise to and from, and read.

Now, I have to think of bulletin boards, lamination, and lesson plans for the upcoming year. I will be teaching 19 tender hearts this year. It has been a while since I have had this large of a class. I often wonder what God has in store for us, at times I become a little anxious, ok a lot anxious then I remember that I can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens me. I always begin my open house speech by telling parents that I will not be the perfect teacher for your child, but the one thing I can tell them is that I love their children like no other teacher will. And that is only true because God loves them through me. So as I work in my classroom and those of my fellow teachers I walk the desks praying for each student,even though I am not sure of who will be in my class.

So wish me luck and a whole lot of blessings because the best is yet to come. Hold on to your fork!

Hind's Feet

2010-07-14T20:25:00.000-04:00

As I started writing this blog, I can't think of a title. There are so many things going on in my mind that I am sure this will sound more like the ramblings of a lunatic.

When I wrote in one of my last blogs for God to bring on the Reign....I didn't mean for Him to present us with yet more challenges. During last nights thunderstorm, it seems that the pool pump was hit by lightning. Boy, can a pool get dirty in just one day. I guess our clear blue pool....finally, will turn to a mucky green. Joel came home tonight and looked at it, he didn't know what to do either. My job tomorrow is to call the Lancaster Pool and Spa to see if they can come look at it......Uuumm, I wonder what this will bring.

My dryer, since last nights storm, was acting out of sorts too. I figured that we would have to do work on it as well as the pool....it seems to be ok for now. I may have panic a little too early on that one.

Oh, the lightning in last nights storm, claimed yet another cable box. Comporium is going to start wondering about us.

Once again I was out trimming the hedges...I will say, I have been hacking away at his project a little at a time. But it is becoming like a Goliath to me. Joel even said, "Where did you trim today." It is not even noticeable to him. The bad thing about it is I am doing it all by hand so it is a huge project. Do I have any friends out there that are willing to help?

My good buddies birthday is tomorrow. I praise the Lord everyday for putting her in my life. She is a true sister.

Elise went to the eye doctor today, praise Him that she doesn't need contacts or glasses! Maybe she has Daddy D's eyes. I sure hope so. I know one thing she doesn't have mine.

The thought for today, even though these things happen or are happening....Elise and I began our day by sighting a doe and her fawn. As we watched them both run across a field, Psalms 18:33 comes to mind, "He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; He enables me to stand on heights." One day I will stand on the greatest heights with my Lord and Savior. That is what I will rest in.

Putting in a Plug- for a wonderful book for children...Hind's Feet to High Places. I am not sure who the author is but every time I read it to my class, God moves me and teaches me things.

Terrible, Horrible, No Good Day

2010-07-07T13:47:00.000-04:00

Today is a terrible, horrible, no good day, very bad day. I didn't sleep well last night, I dreamed about vampires all night, and I woke up with a stiff neck, Joel has been working at night, working during the day on his school work.

Writing has always been a healing or a way to clear my mind. Well, today is a day that I am just .....ummm, blue. I miss my family in Kentucky and my heart wants to desperately visit. Joel, I, and Elise have looked at our schedules and either due to work, school, or volleyball it looks like we will not be making a trip home. When I told my mom this, let's just say she didn't have a good response. Then this morning, my dad called. Always at the end of our conversations he always says, "Love ya, bye."

Those three little words just about opened the flood gates. Don't get me wrong we are busy. We have people around us that love us but in the middle of it all, there is nothing like family. I am sure if my closest pals knew I felt the way I do today, they would do anything to change it. Down deep in my heart I know all the things that I should be telling myself. I know I need to pull up my boot straps and get on with it.

Then my spirit is lifted by picking up a program for a friend's daughter's wedding that Elise and I attended this weekend. Be Thou My Vision is printed on the back of it. All of a sudden my spirit realizes there is a reason for all of this heartache. I have to keep my eye on the prize.

Be Thou my battle-shield, sword for my fight
Be Thou my dignity, Thou my delight.
Thou my soul's shelter, Thou my high tower.
Raise Thou me heavenward, O power of my power

Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise,
Thou mine inheritance, now and always
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart
High King of heaven, my Treasure Thou Art.

So, Lord be my Vision today. Help me just get through it.

A Treat for Me

2010-07-06T13:42:00.001-04:00

This by far is the best invention out there. This is a Kindle,my Kindle actually. It is just like a book but it is electronic. The books are download on to this device and WAA LAAA!

I have been asking for one for about 3 years but I just couldn't stomach the price. Around Valentine's Day, Joel said he was going to order one for me. Valentine's came and went. Joel never did buy it but I broke down and bought it myself. He was Joel's idea, wasn't it? But I think it is the best thing out there.

This is the first item that I have ever bought that I was so excited about getting I had emails delivered to my account to know exactly where it was during the buying/shipping process. I was like a little kid waiting for Christmas to come. It has been well worth the investment.

Happy Reading everyone.

Holy Ghost It

2010-07-01T19:22:00.000-04:00

God's answers are often better than our prayers.

Ok, I have driven by this this church sign for several weeks. I have thought I would bring my duck tape and "X" out the word often. God's answer are just better than our prayers.

It's Pundering, Mama!

2010-06-27T18:06:00.000-04:00

As a little girl I remember being at the boat during a thunderstorm.We used to take wonderful naps with the pitter patter of the rain on the water. I have always love thunderstorms. So much so, I will wait and watch the sky for them.

When Elise was small, unlike most children, she loved thunderstorms as well. As soon as we heard the rumble of thunder we would head to the porch to watch for its arrival. She would be concentrating on whatever she was doing, and look up at me and say, "It's pundering, Mama!" Then we would head out waiting and watching. I have taught her to count the time between the thunder and lightning, to see if the storm is coming or going. I have taught her to watch the sky for thunder heads and to smell the air. Believe me I never put her in danger. When things really got going we would head inside.

The strange thing about thunderstorms is the beauty and the power behind the lightning. I love lightning...it reminds me so much of God. How beautiful He is but oh how powerful. It is amazing to me that we can be crawling up on His lap for the comfort or peace that we need but yet His power is always there.

In my life time, my house has been struck by lightning 3 times. The first time was in Ky shortly before our move here. It claimed one TV and VCR. The second time was also in Ky the week before we moved here. Lightning claimed our TV, we waited until we moved here to get a new one. And the third, was here in this house, just today. So far it looks like it has claimed one TV, two VCRs. Our power to the outlets in the back part of the house are not working. So who knows what will come of this power!

But still I love thunderstorms. I know the damage they can cause and treat them with respect but they teach us so much. They bring relief from the smothering heat, they refresh life, and they remind me of God's great power......Bring on the Reign, Lord!

For those of you in my area

2010-06-27T17:44:00.000-04:00

For those of you in my area or Rock Hill, I have a friend whose family has opened a "farmers market." It is on 21 right outside Ft. Lawn. Heading to Rock Hill it will be on the Right. It sits back off the road a bit. You pass Jordan's farm. Look for a tan tarp.

Last week I picked up a watermelon and 3 tomatoes. Total cost $2.75. This week I bought a cantaloupe, onion, 3 bell peppers cost was $2.25. They pretty much have it all. Okra was the new item this week. However, being the KY girl that I am....I passed on the Okra. The stuff so far was yummy.

Thank you Lord for all the fruits that are ripe this time of year!

Home Sweet Home!

2010-06-18T19:23:00.000-04:00

Elise made it home from the DR. Her plane was delayed several times in Atlanta. The DR team pulled into the school parking lot at almost 2AM. Our first stop was McDonald's...believe it or not we waited for about 15 minutes for a chicken snack wrap. I think we finally got home at 3:16AM.

Elise did say she was glad to be home! YEAH! She fell on her bed with arms opened wide and told her bed, "I will never leave you again!" Notice she told her bed that but not Joel and me.
Today her complaint was, "Why does this country have to be so cold?" It has been close to 100 degrees and very humid here. That was puzzling to me as I had sweat rolling down my back.

Now, she is looking for odd jobs to do so that she can save for next years trip. I had already told her she can't go next year because of raising support. So she is wanting to save for next year. Although, I have offered to pay her to come with me next week, she asked, "How early do I have to get up?" When I told her that we had to be to school by 8:00, she said she would pass. She must not want the money too bad!!!

Next, week I am teaching two modules in Camp Invention. It is a national camp that is put on for raising first graders through sixth graders. It should be very fun but there has been A LOT of preparations going into it over the last two days. I will be working this weekend as well. Pray that everything runs smoothly!!!!! I am teaching Saving Sludge City and I Can Invent. Did I mention it is a science camp!!!

I am off to save the city. See you soon!

Sweet Rewards

2010-06-14T18:01:00.000-04:00

Today I started tutoring a student that I had this year. She is in summer care at school. As I walked through the gym looking for her I peeked into open doors. I wasn't sure where she would be. Hearing a voice and noticing another second grader in a classroom, I peered into the classroom. Without even calling her name she jumped up and came to me. What happened after that, words have a hard time coming to me. Hugs, hugs like she had not seen me for years not just a matter of days. Those hugs warmed my heart. Actually, I was overcome by her joyful greeting.

You see she was expecting me, she knew I was coming. Probably even knew about the time of day I was coming. Her response to me was overwhelming. I will tell you that during this brief moment in time, God spoke once again to me. One, do I respond to God like that? Do I wait on Him expectantly? When He arrives do I greet Him with overwhelming unconditional love? Two, God confirmed to me again, that being a Christian School teacher has rewards far more precious than money.

He has given me a passion for His children and the joy of teaching. Even when I find myself short on the patience, I still LOVE what I do!

Black Eyed Susans and Yuccas

2010-06-14T17:45:00.000-04:00

You know as a walk through this daily life I continue to see God. Where so often I fail, God says, "He succeeds."

Over the last few days I have been working in my landscape or jungle by the pool. Years ago, I mean years ago, Joel and I planted Black Eyed Susans. Daisies are my all time favorite flowers. They seem to have happy little faces. Over the last several years they have literally taken over our small area. While I do love these flowers they have simply overtaken the area. This year I decided that I wanted them gone...like GONE!

I pulled a section, then Joel got the idea that we should just spray them with weed out. So I did. If you know me I am a very impatient person. So after I sprayed them I decided they were not dying quick enough for me. Working by myself, I started pulling them out again. As I pulled and pulled and cut those that I still couldn't pull out, my mind drifted to God. I began to wonder if God sees the sin in me as I see the daisies. I know he uses the Holy Spirit to identify sin in my life but I wonder if my heart is covered by the same fullness of sin as the area around my pool is covered by the daisies. God continues to pull/cut or whatever to remove the sins in my life.

The area where I am trying to pull out the flowers is also by a Yucca plant. If you have ever been poked by the ends of a Yucca, they hurt. Too bad when we sin, the Holy Spirit can't prick our hearts like the end of a Yucca. Wait, I think He does.

More Dominican Pictures

2010-06-13T21:20:00.000-04:00

I sure am proud of Elise. Not only for stepping out of her comfort zone but mostly for stepping out on faith. Sounds like every thing is going well. Please continue to pray for the team. 3 more days!

2010-06-12T21:25:00.000-04:00

This was another picture posted on the blog that Mrs. Spatola is writing. I think the team has been very busy. It has been extremely hot and humid. One of the projects was putting up fans.

Elise will be home on Wednesday about midnight. Please continue to pray for wellness and safe travel home. Tomorrow is a day of rest. Monday is a workday and Tuesday is a fun day. They will be going to the market and to the beach.

She Is Alive

2010-06-10T19:40:00.001-04:00

This is the first time I have laid eyes on Elise since early Saturday morning. It is great to know she is alive and well. Please continue your prayers for her and the team.

I was jolted awake early this morning, I laid there wondering why I woke up in the middle of the night. My heart was beating out of my chest. I had a feeling that Elise needed prayer. So that is what I did for the next little while. I prayed. I prayed for peace, wellness, and strength to sustain her. I am not sure she really needed it but some times a mom knows. It has been 6 days. One week from yesterday she will be returning. And to answer your question, I have not gotten the work that I wanted finished, complete yet. I am still trying.

Thanks for your prayers.

In the Dominican

2010-06-07T19:47:00.001-04:00

Westminister Catawba hits the Dominican Republic. The students and all the luggage made it safely. There are reports that it is very hot. Please continue to pray for them.

If you would like to follow the blog the site is partnersnchrist.org. Click on short term missions and then click on June 5-16.

Reflections

2010-06-03T17:57:00.000-04:00

As the school year draws to a close, I always take time to reflect on the year. I have been teaching for 18 years but I always learn something.

Top 10 of 2010!
10. You have to be in the grip of HIS grace to give grace.
9. Patience - I can never have enough.
8. I have to be open in order for God to work through me
7. write down everything so I don't forget anything
6. The more I give the more I get.
5. Even when I "fail" God succeeds
4. Sometimes there is nothing I can do- I need to give the control to HIM!
3. Each and everyone of my students God created in His image
2. Curriculum is not everything
1. 5:15 is awfully early!

Each year presents and ends itself with new demands. But each year can make me become a better servant if and only if I allow it. May God be with the students that passed in and out my door this year. I pray that their hearts will be molded, that their brains will be filled, and that their bodies equipped with the good things of God.
So this is good-bye to the Dynamite Dozen.

4 Days and Counting

2010-05-31T18:45:00.000-04:00

4 days until Elise leaves for the Dominican Republic. Which has been "dubbed" the DR by our family. I am praying already for her safety and wellness during the trip. We have been to the doctor for antibiotics, been shopping for clothes and supplies, now all we need is for Saturday morning at 3 AM to get here. I appreciate all the prayers we can get. Please pray for safe travel, the team to stay well, and for God's will and work to be done.

Elise is putting hands and feet to God's calling. Joel and I are proud of her for being willing to 1. listen to His calling and 2. For her to be willing to step out of her comfort zone to do as He asks.

It will be a long 12 days. If anyone wants to go to lunch or go see a movie, let me know. I am not sure what I am going to do with my time. I know I am going to sleep a little more, read a book or two, and maybe paint some rooms in the house. Don't quote me on the last one though.

Thanks for your prayers! I will keep you posted!

I Stand Corrected!

2010-05-31T18:44:00.000-04:00

Joel informed me that Oscar lived for 17 years...I still love him and think about hime everyday!

A Dog's Love

2010-05-26T19:48:00.001-04:00

A friend of mine had to put their dog down yesterday.....and that has got me thinking.

I wonder how a pet dog comes into our families and changes the inner being of who we are. I have had a lot of pet dogs in my lifetime and most of them have touched me in ways that I really can't put into words.

Jock- this was really Todd's dog. I was a very about 6 when Jock was around. He was a white poodle who really didn't like me. I was little and didn't know better but I would pick him up and pretend to throw him down the basement steps. Needless to say, every time I picked him up he would try to bite me. He died unexpectedly during a family camping trip. I remember that day like it was yesterday.

Todd, Dad, family friends and I had just loaded up in our run about to do some skiing. My mom came yelling to my dad to come back ashore. "A dog got a hold of Jock." she said. I remember saying to my dad, "Oh, Jock will get a hold of the other dog." My dad said something like no he could be hurt. That was the first time that I realized my dad could not fix everything. Todd and I were told to put our heads down on the picnic table while my dad and family friends got Jock and took him to the car. ( I did peek). Dad tried to take Jock to a vet but he died on the way. Somewhere he is buried beside a barn.

Sebastian or Bass- He was an apricot poodle who was purchased the night we returned from our family camping trip. Now Bass was my dog. I loved that little puppy. He slept on a pillow on my floor until I was about 19. He would bite any and everybody who came around. It got to be a joke. My dad would tell everyone that he only bit you if he liked you. Well, yes I was bitten quite a lot. Bass taught me to be wary of people, watch yourself, no matter who you are around.

Casey- She was my project dog. I had moved out of my parent's house and into an apartment with friends. I wanted a dog but knew I couldn't afford the price of a pure bred. We started looking at dog pounds. Joel found her in a pen somewhere around Oldham County. I remember going out one evening to see her. We got there after the pound was closed but she was in a pen and I could still see her. The next day she was mine. She was a mess. She was a mix between a poodle and some type of Spaniel. Her hair was matted, she had flees and worms. She looked terrible. After a vet trip the next day, I walked out with a vet bill of over $150.00 plus grooming fees of $50.00. So much for the cheaper way, I could have gotten a pure bred. I can still remember the day I took her home to see my parents. She had literally be shaved completely down except for the tip of her tail. My mom and Todd rolled to the floor laughing. She taught me that it didn't matter what you looked like on the outside, it was the inside that was the most important. We had to put her down 12 years later.

Oscar entered the picture after Joel and I were married for about a year. We had moved into our first house. He joined our family and Casey in May of 1991 as a graduation from college present to me. We had been shopping one day, walked into a pet shop and walked out with Oscar. Oscar was a Lhasa Alpso. Joel named him Oscar because of Oscar the Grouch on Sesame Street. He was not a grouch, I loved that dog, he by far my most dear pet. He loved like nothing else. He would bark Aroo, roo, roo when we entered the house. He taught me to make sure I greeted everyone I met with a smile and a warm hello. We had to put him down 13 years later.

Two weeks later we had Benson. Now, this story doesn't have an ending yet. But Benson is a piece of work. He is stubborn, a yapper, but the biggest lap dog I have ever had. Benson is a black and tan Miniature Pincher. I didn't know much about Min Pins until I got Ben. I am not really sure I know much at this point. Benson has made me really look at God as He tries to mold us and make us into the people He wants. Just like I try to train Ben into the dog I want him to become. I haven't succeeded yet but I am thankful God isn't finished with me yet.

So to make a long story even longer...pets especially dogs, have taught me some valuable life lessons. I hate putting our pets to sleep but my feelings on that are that they have brought us so much selfless joy while they were ours, the least we can do for them is to give them the last selfless love from their masters. Believe me when I say that we don't take putting dogs to sleep lightly. It is the very last thing we want to do. What would I do without DOGS! They truly are our family members while they are on this earth.

It All Began in Room 12

2010-05-25T21:35:00.000-04:00

I can't believe that my first group of first graders are graduating. Out of the 45 graduates this year I think there are 6 that were my students. Boy the stories I should have written down. I wish I could only remember the stories now. I do remember that room and those students like it was yesterday.

I loved those those students like I have loved every class. I can see their faces and when I hear their names the faces that I see are those of first graders not of grown men and women. I am very proud of those student...really the senior class as a whole. They have grown a lot over the years both physically but more importantly spiritual.

As they start this new venture in their lives, I pray for them. I know they are men and women that seek after God.

As Tears Turn Into Smiles and Then Back Again

2010-05-24T18:16:00.000-04:00

This morning, like so many mornings, my Daddy D was on my mind. Sunday mornings always seem to be the hardest. I miss Daddy D especially on Sundays. I guess that is because I pretty much grew up under his wing, in my spiritual journey anyway.

Today as the choir sang "Oh, How Marvelous," I could hear his voice and a small smile crept to the edge of my mouth. It was as if I could hear his big, deep, beautiful, voice singing the chorus all the way from Heaven. I was shocked and surprised at the smile. Music has always moved the very inner of my soul but usually with tears.

I sat there surprised and almost rejoicing for the memories I have with Daddy D. I was overjoyed with the fact that he was with Jesus on that morning. In that instant I knew Daddy D was watching us from Heaven and the Holy Spirit was telling my me all is well within my soul. Then the sadness returned and the longing to hear that big, deep, beautiful voice hurt my heart...still bringing tears. Oh, How Marvelous it is that he is in Heaven, but, oh how I wish he was here for me.

Daddy D, you are gone but never forgotten!

Oh, How Marvelous

Oh, How Wonderful

Is My Savior's love for me.

Anybody else hear Daddy D's voice?

If you would like to hear him sing visit memoriesoftyredenney.blogspot.com. The video is good but in person was so much better.

Does anyone have a fork?

2010-05-05T18:17:00.000-04:00

Wow! Hold on to your fork the best is yet to come. - Perry Noble

I am not sure where to even begin ... there is so much going on. First, those of you at WC, hold on, God is working with us! My friend and I have said many times in the last year that Westminster was getting ready to BUST wide open. God moved through the student body this fall like nothing else could. Many spiritual changes have happened because of the students and the Holy Spirit. All I can say is we are there on the edge about ready to explode! Rock Hill you better hold on to your fork!

With a silent tear that falls and as my heart swells with love and pride...My brother, yep Troy, my little brother, the one that used to look up to me, now I look up to him. The one that screamed at the top of his lungs because he had a box staple sticking out of the soft spot on his knee. The brother that used to call when he need to drop a class and didn't know how to tell mom and dad or didn't know what to do, is now a DOCTOR! Saturday May 8th, Troy will graduate from medical school and I won't be there! (Which really stinks and hurts like a fork in my heart) But just as this chapter of his life is finished I know God has something even better for him in store. Troy, hold on to your fork, the best is yet to come!

For the last three months, Elise has practiced night after night for the school performance of "Annie Get Your Gun." On Friday April 30th tech week began, she has had practice for at least 4 hours each and every night this week. "Annie Get Your Gun" starts tomorrow night with a dinner theater and performances on Friday and Saturday night at 7. Buy your tickets now!

Elise, hold on to your fork, the best is yet to come!

So all I can say now is, does anyone have a fork? I need to make sure I hold on to it!

In The Nick of Time

2010-04-12T19:57:00.000-04:00

Isn't God good. He provides what we need in the nick of time. Not one second too soon or one second too late.

I will have to say that I am/was at the end of my rope. It just seems I can't get out of this vicious cycle that keeps 'dumping' on me. Every time I turn around something smacks me in the face. And frankly I am getting really tired and well just.... sick of it. Then I find this....

" I will say it again... enduring pain will lead to tremendous progress. So...for those who MAY be about to give up because the pain is SO intense....don't give up on the God who has never given up on you...allow the pain to make you better, not bitter...and hold on because if He can trust you with pain He can trust you with the provision He is about to bring your way." Perry Noble

God has used Perry Noble more than once in my life to hit it home. After I read this the tears turn to a small smile and maybe... just maybe HOPE will be on the horizon. So as long as God has my back....BRING IT ON! God has not yet given up on me.

Check out Newspring.com. Perry's sermons can be downloaded or podcast. Thank you God, for using people like Perry Noble, to speak YOUR truth, like only YOU can.

Holy Ghost It

2010-03-22T19:02:00.000-04:00

The key to heaven hung on a nail.

Two New Holy Ghost-Its

2010-03-21T19:19:00.000-04:00

Stay close to the Shepard,

the wolf will be far away.

*****************

He who controls your anger

controls you!

Friends or Family-- Does it Really Matter?

2010-03-15T19:50:00.000-04:00

Just this weekend I said to Joel, I really wish we lived close enough to some of our family to see regularly. Troy and his family are moving across the nation in just a short while...it has me thinking.

While I don't choose to be far from my family, God has chosen this path for me. Some reasons I know beyond a doubt why we moved. Those are for a blog of another time and place. The last month has been REALLY HARD to be away but the truth in the matter is that, even when I pray for God to move us back home, my heart would break in a thousand pieces if we left South Carolina. Why you ask? I will tell you!

He has placed in my life two very special families. My KY family and my SC family. God has given me two of the best friends I can imagine here in SC. Sometimes I think...no I know they know me better in some areas then my KY family. Simply because we see and talk to each other on a daily basis. I am not knocking my KY family in the least. I love them and miss them dearly but God has blessed me with friends that are my family here. These two family rejoice with us, hurt with us, and I think really count us theirs. Just like family they tell me when I mess up too. Truth be known that is what I love most about them. They love me enough to to be truthful. We look out for each other, pray with each other, and are just there for each other.

During one of the visitations for Daddy D, Jennifer G., my precious sister-law, said through tears to my parents, that.."I was theirs" Do you know how good that felt. I love my Denney family but to hear it spoken still brings tears to my eyes. Sorry that was a side note.

The thing about these two friends is that God has given me a SC family to lessen the hurt of being far from my KY family. I am theirs and they are mine. They would drop anything and everything to be with me and the same goes for me.

So I guess what I am trying to say is that, God fills our lives with people that touch us and leave fingerprints all over us. I love my SC family and wonder at times what I would be like without them. I wouldn't be the person I am ...I can tell you that.

God was right when he said we are all His family. So does it really matter that people in our family are our friends and our friends are our family. In God's eyes (and mine), it doesn't really matter...as long as you love each other.... I mean really love each other.

Words of my Daddy D come to my mind...he once wrote an article titled "Tell Your Children you Love Them." I have taken that to heart. I often tell my friends that I love them. Simply because I want them to know. So tell your family/friends that you love them because you do.

Dad and Cars part one

2010-03-14T21:47:00.000-04:00

Joel here.

Much was said at Dad's funeral about his BMW's, but nothing was said about the BMC's. BMC was an acronym for British Motor Company, which started as merger of the Austin and Morris automobile companies and ended up as British Leyland and included such famous (or infamous) marques as Jaguar, Triumph, MG, Rover, Austin, Morris, Mini,and Austin-Healy.

I think that all six of us kids, except maybe Jennifer, had an English car at some time or another. Jim had a baby blue Morris Minor convertible. Jeff had Triumphs, the Herald, the Spitfire, and the TR6's. I had the orange Austin America and Jody and Jana had another Spitfire. Let's just say it was a character-building experience, one that I wouldn't trade for anything now.

Anyway long before the Bosch fuel-injected, Motronic ignition, automatic climate controlled, leather interior w/sunroof BMW's, there were Morris Minors with SU carbruetors, little or no heat,and worst of all, Lucas electrical systems. The Morris Minor was called by some the first modern car when it went into production shortly after WWII. In typical English fashion it had changed very little when prodcution ended in 1970. The most powerful Morris Minor engine produced around 65 hp. Dad's last BMW's would have had over 300 hp. The Morris did have a folding rear seat. It was semi-automatic and if Jody and I weren't careful it would sometime fold us up too.

For some reason Dad loved those Morris Minors. Whenever I saw one I'd make sure to tell him about it. I saw one for sale in Lexington while we were there last summer after Dad's knee surgery. I told him about it and of course it started a round of car stories that kept Tracey and Elise entertained. Looking back I guess it was our last face-to-face conversation before the cancer.

I used to kid Dad that the BMW's were his reward from God for all the sacrifices that he made while driving the Morris Minors and his other "little foreign cars". It may well have been. The cars also give us a metaphor for life with God. Just as Dad had to go through his BMC's before he got to the BMW's we all have to go through the trials and tribulations of life here on earth before we can reach our rewards in heaven.

Wonder how Elise would look in an MGB?

Dear Child of Mine

2010-03-11T19:44:00.000-05:00

This is a copy of an article my Daddy D wrote. I am not sure of the date or year but I know one thing, I was a child of his.

"It is fairly late Father's Day night and I am re-reading the cards and remembering the hugs,kisses,hands shaken, pats, and "happy Father's Day I got from my children and grandchildren today. The house is quiet and it is a special time for me. And in the quietness, the words spoken by the character, Dr. Oahlander, "I've lived long enough to see my children grow up to be not only people I love but, people for whom I am very, very proud." takes on an even more special meaning than they did the last time I thought of them. Having six children you can very very, very proud of is a blessing indeed.

That's why I'm writing them this letter:

Dear Child of Mine,
On this Father's Day I want you to know I'm thankful to our heavenly Father first,for the privilege of having you as my own. Being your daddy means everything to me. I remember, as though it were yesterday, the first time I saw you. I also remember how surprised I was to find out that those people who kept saying Oh, what a pretty baby! were looking at you, too. But, by the time they let me hold you-- in those days daddies could look but they were not allowed to touch until you were practically half grown--you were beginning to look pretty good. Then, after holding you that first time well...I was hooked for life.

When you were a baby, whether it was by rocking, walking, singing, dribbling or spinning around in the chair, I always enjoyed getting you to sleep. This is nothing quite so mind-settling and peaceful as having your own baby go to sleep in your arms. You gave me a lot of mind-settling, peaceful moments. And, as you might imagine, there were literally thousands of other moments in your childhood that made me feel just as warm inside. I'm grateful for every one of them.

But now you are grown--or at least, nearly grown, too big to rock, walk,sing, dribble or spin around to sleep and too big to think of and treat as a child, So, in that sense our relationship has had to change. But the bond is still there: and loving you and being proud of you and being your daddy means everything to me.

Thanks for today: it was special. Thanks for every day: you help your mother to make them special too.
Love always,
Daddy

P.S. 17X36 shirts,40 inch slacks, and black socks"

What a legacy Daddy D left for us to fill. It was a privelege to be counted as one of his.

And so it Begins

2010-03-11T19:24:00.000-05:00

First things first, I want to thank everyone for their prayers for my family. While we are still trying to deal and adjust to my father-in-laws death, we know he is a much better place. It is just hard to deal with on this side of heaven. It still seems unreal and raw. However, God promises to give us the peace that passes all understanding. I guess I never knew what that really meant until this. For those of you that have not experienced a loss of a loved one-- God does provide peace that passes all understanding. I know that He provides strength when we need it most and there is a peace that DOES pass all of my understanding. If you don't have a personal relationship with the Lord, let me know, I will be glad to sit and tell you what a friend we have in Jesus.

Updates:

Annie Get Your Gun--Elise has started rehearsals for the spring musical again this year. I said my theme song should be On the Road Again. .. however, the next line of that song says I just can't wait to get on the road again. That is not me. I can wait to get on the road again. She is in the ensemble and is an Indian girl. She has two lines!!!!

Dominican Republic- Prayers are needed. Money deadline is quickly approaching. We still owe $380 by March 24th. I guess my faith is being tested because I am not feeling like it is going to come in. We are only a week away from the deadline. Bring it on Lord!

We have re-enrolled back for WCCS again next year. Elise would be heart broken if we left. Just pray for enrollment and that I will have a place next year. God is always good.

Bada,Bada..That's All Folks!

Daddy D story

2010-02-22T19:49:00.000-05:00

Hi Y'all,

Tracey asked me to put the story of Tyre and Willis talking about answering God’s call into words. Here is the story, as I remember it. Keep in mind that I have been radiated, and this is an old story! — Tyre was working for Delta as a mechanic: he was married and had three children. Tyre felt the call of God to become a preacher, which meant he would have to leave Delta, go to college, and then to cemetery. Willis said, “Bud, college will take you four years. You’ll be 36 when you finish.” Tyre replied, “I’ll be 36 in four years anyway.” They then discussed the change and what would be involved. Willis mentioned that Tyre would have to give up his good job with benefits and security, move to another state, and live on a preacher’s salary. Tyre then said, “It doesn’t make any sense to hold on to something I cannot keep, and to give up something I cannot lose.”

There is a school of thought in motivational circles which holds that on any given day we will be faced with a decision; we will make the decision without fanfare; and our lives will be changed. With that thought in mind, let’s think for a moment about the possible outcomes of Tyre and Betty not answering God’s call.

o We would still have Jennifer, Jim, Jeff, Joel, and Jody. But, we wouldn’t have Jana: a great loss.

o The 5 J’s would have found spouses in the Metro-Atlanta area, and probably lived happily ever after. But, they would not have the spouses, children, and grand children they have now: a great loss.

o If Tyre had stayed with Delta, the LORD would have sent someone else to minister in Anderson County. But, the folks at Gash would not have had Tyre come drink coffee, read the paper, and tell stories, and the “Lunch Bunch” would not have had a Pope: a great loss.

o If Tyre and Betty had stayed in Atlanta, the LORD would have sent someone else to Africa, to serve in the Kentucky Baptist Convention, and to serve in the Southern Baptist Convention. But, that someone would not have been Tyre: a great loss.

We will not know this side of heaven (to borrow a preacher phrase) the eternal impact of the Life of Jesus lived through Tyre and Betty on the people of Kentucky, Alabama, Georgia, Texas, Africa …

Tyre, Betty, and the rest of us did not lose when they chose to give up a job and to take hold of a ministry: we gained what we cannot lose.

Love,

Art

Art is Joel's cousin. I love the phrase, "It doesn't make any sense to hold on to something I cannot keep, and give up something I cannot lose."

A True Holy Ghost It Tribute

2010-02-21T20:02:00.000-05:00

Welcome Home, Daddy D. I know you are eating at the banquet table and having a wonderful time with Jesus. Prepare our place, we miss you dearly.

To My Daddy D

2010-02-07T19:35:00.000-05:00

February 7, 2010

To My Daddy D,

Each week your writing would inspire people so I am writing this as a gift to you.

Do you remember the first time we met? I do, Joel had just had a wreck
in his red BMW 2002. We had taken the station wrecker and towed it home to Lawrenceburg to be fixed. It was in the living room of the old house. When we met, it wasn't like it was for the first time...it was like I had been part of your family. From that day on it seemed like I was part of your family. You never treated me like anything other than that.

When I think about all of the great events in my life you are there, sometimes in the for front, sometimes just in the shadows: Graduation, baptism, marriage, child birth, surgeries, sickness. Some of those mine and some of those my family.

Shortly after Joel and I were married I asked you one day what I should call you. Your reply was just a simple "Daddy D." I can remember you saying that you and Betty didn't just have 6 kids but you had 12, I am blessed to be one of those lucky dozen. What a great Dad you have been to me! You see that is what I considered myself to you, I am your daughter. I cannot tell you how many of your words (either preached or just in day to day conversation) resonate in my mind. When you married Joel and I, you said we would go through storms, I will have to say I was a little upset, I thought Joel and I going through storms was a wild idea. Now almost twenty years later, I think if you said that to me today, I would like to sit and talk with you for a while. The stories of your life have encourage me in some of the darkest days. One of my favorites is the story of the leaning barn with just a stick or two holding it up.

It has been almost 22 years, I have grown a lot under you wings and guidance. You have served as father-in-law, pastor, grandfather, and most of all a Dad. The greatest gift that I learned from you was how to love people, regardless of where they come from, what they look like, or where they have been. You minister and encourage everyone you come in contact with, always putting them first.

I guess what I am trying to say in all this "bumbling and fumbling" is that having you in my life has be one of the greatest joys. I have seen Jesus and feel closer to Him because of you. So Daddy D rest, rest in the assurance that you have a friend in Jesus, rest in the fact that your legacy will live out through your children, your grandchildren, and your great grandchildren. I love you Daddy D!

Tracey

Daddy D met Jesus on February 14th, 2010 at 8:15am. A Sunday no less. Thank you Daddy D for loving me. Thank you Jesus for loving my Daddy D.

If It Weren't for Bad Luck I Have no Luck at All!!!

2010-01-07T19:04:00.000-05:00

I am not sure how many of my readers remember the HeeHaw Show. It was a tv show that we watched on Saturday nights when I was young. Now, I will have to tell you that I do not believe in luck. I know that God is in control of everything. However, that song has become my theme song over the last few months.

It all started with having to replace the car battery. The very next day it was our hot water heater, the day after that a leak in the brand new hot water heater hose. About two weeks later yet another leak in one of the hoses of the hot water heater. Then this morning, we awoke to no heat. Don't worry it is working now, we are not really sure why it stopped working through the night. Joel fixed it with a simple off and on throw of the breaker...and it began to work again.

In college, the girl that lived across the hall from me, used to say she had a "poop cloud" that would every now and then follow her around and take a dump on her. Needless to say, I think that cloud has found us the last month.

You know that when I go through trails God always has a way of showing himself to me. I passed a church sign that reads: When you have nothing else left but Jesus you realize that He is all you really need. I guess He is trying to teach me this.

I know He is All I need. But transportation, hot water, and heat are nice commodities. So please pray that our heat will continue to work. Especially since the last 22 days have been below normal temperatures and South Carolina has seen some of the coldest weather in years. And I was beginning to buy into Global Warming. Maybe all those "poop clouds" are bringing this cold weather. I sure hope that this front passes soon. Meanwhile, I will bundle up, build a fire and sleep on the floor if I need to...because ALL I NEED IS JESUS!!!!

Dear Anonymous

2010-01-04T20:25:00.000-05:00

Dear Anonymous,

As a Christian, I believe that Jesus is the Messiah that was foretold by the prophets and that He came to save all people including the Jewish people.

In Christ,
SC Denneys

Offended!

2009-12-25T14:14:00.000-05:00

On December 23,2009, Elise, Joel and I went to a well known restaurant in Rock Hill. Lunch was great and the family time was priceless. When we got up to leave a waitress said, "Have a great Holiday Season." My simple reply was "Merry Christmas."

It offended me that in a little over 2000 years, Merry Christmas, has become politically incorrect. Well, I am a Christian and think that Happy Holidays is politically incorrect. If it was not for the birth of the WORLDS' Savior, Happy Holidays would not even exist. A Savior that came for not only me but for everyone!!! Why is it that other religions get more respect than the only true religion? HELLO!!!!! Jesus is the Reason for THIS season.

The Journey Begins

2009-12-22T19:52:00.000-05:00

We mailed about 40 support letters for Elise's Dominican Republic trip. I think I should have taken out a second mortgage for just the stamps to mail all the letters. The first amount of money was due Dec. 15th and the next amount is Jan. 27th. Faith of a mustard seed, Faith that the money will come in.

Elise has also started a blog about her journey and how God is already preparing her to travel. If you would like to read her version of the story her blog site is eliseatwccs.blogspot.com. Become a follower!!!

ok, Ok, OK!!!!

2009-12-08T11:37:00.000-05:00

I know it has been a very long time since the last time I blogged. I can't really say why. Maybe I just felt that there was nothing really note worthy to write about. Except that would be a down and out lie because even the little things that God does in our lives are worth noting.

I won't bore you with the things that have happened in the last 6 months. But we still are alive and kicking.

The new exciting news is that Elise has felt God's calling to go overseas on a mission trip. Even with my pleadings not to go. I can still say I am not completely at peace with her going BUT...God has told me on several occasions that Elise is His and that He loves her even more than I do. Which as I say that,sounds totally unreal. So...without much complaint from me, She will be traveling to the Dominican Republic from June 5-16th. And just in case you are wondering, No, I am not going. This is a school sponsored trip so she will be going with 30 other students and about 10-11 chaperones. During one of our very early conversations was of course about how much it will cost, she looked at me and said, "Mom, with the way I feel God has already paid for this trip." (Robbie if you are reading this...I know, God owns cattle on a thousand hills). I know my faith will grow along with Elise's during the preparations of this trip. So I just ask that you pray along with me for: 1. The big one MONEY to come in, 2. for safety for the whole team, and 3. that God will use this to help mold Elise into the person he wants her to become.(that is a whole other blog in itself). Stay tuned for what God is going to do.

Most of you know that I listen to the sermons of Perry Noble on the computer....on several occasions he has said "Hold onto you fork, the best is yet to come." So that is what I am going to say. "Hold onto your fork, the best is yet to come."

My Old Kentucky Home, Far away....

2009-07-21T21:04:00.000-04:00

Last week we took a short trip to Kentucky for a visit. Joel's dad had knee surgery so we went to check on him. As much as we love living in the South we miss Kentucky greatly. We know that God has called us for this time to be here.It it is hard to go back and see the day to day scenery and not feel a tensh of regret that we are missing out with family and the beautiful land that God created.

These pictures are mostly of scenery around where Joel and I grew up. We didn't get to see everyone in our family but we did get to see a few.

The rolling green fields of the Kentucky Horse Farms.

The stone walls that Kentucky is famous for. They are found all around Versailles, Ky. They were not built by slaves. That is an old tale.

This castle is built on the side of a main street in Versailles, Ky. It was once owned by Lee Majors. He bought it for Farrah Facet. It has been seen alot of distruction. I think there were a few fires and different people that have owned it have made improvement. However, just recently it has been finished and people can stay the night there. The rates for a night stay ranges from $400-$1200. If anyone wants to visit let me know I can get the number for you.

Old Frankfort Pike

Yes, that is a tobacco field. When I was growing up tobacco fields were everywhere you turned. Now you have to hunt to find a field. It is a pretty plant if I do say so myself. I know it is bad for your health and that is why people that had tobacco fields are now running winerys. I am not sure which one is better.

Tyrone Bridge is a train tressel. Some of my crazy sister-in-laws have actually walked across this bridge. We are on the car bridge and as you can tell the Tyrone Bridge is even higher.

One of my brother-in-laws used to be a contractor. He developed some land right around his dairy farm. As he developed this subdivision he named streets after people in our family. I think he named this street after us because we believed we would live on Denney Drive one day. However, God had different plans and moved us over 500 miles away from Denney Drive.

Elise and the Ohio River. The bridges are Clark Memorial and a train bridge. The train bridge is going to be made into a walkway going from Louisville, Kentucky to Indiana.

My mom, dad,and Elise at Tumbleweed at the River.

My mom and dad.

The bridges that span the Ohio River.

Elise and Barkley at my parent's house.

Should I be Happy or Sad?

2009-07-01T20:47:00.000-04:00

I know that this may seem very silly...but I am not sure I should be happy or sad about the end of my summer class. Let me say that at the very beginning way back in March, when we were meeting with the class on Super Saturday I can say I was really not liking the idea of being in class Monday-Thursday 8:30-3:30 starting June 9 through July 1.

Now, what I can say is those people in that picture are the people that I just spent 20 days or 90 hours of my precious summer with. Those 17 individuals probably don't know what they have meant to me. I am sad that all the time that I have spent with them has come to an end. My life because of the writing project has changed. The class is not just a class, by the end of the first week my classmates were some of my friends. The things we talked about pregnancies, miscarriages, pets, family, death,were very personal things. Our teacher, Chris, I think finally gave up trying to make us be quiet by the last week. We were always suppose to "write in the day" that is where the first 30 minutes and the last 15mins of each day we were to do nothing but write. Chris didn't know she had met her match, it was very hard for us to be quiet, you see we had to tell our friends about what happened the night before.

Not only has this class impacted me personally but my professional life has changed too. I sure hope that I can be the teacher I want to be next year. I can't wait for the year to begin. I love what I do with a passion.

It was sad to leave today, but most of us became friends on facebook and will probably keep up. But Bye for now- Tom,Eric,David,Susan,Lena,Lynn,Janet,Caroline, Kim, Shannon K., Shannon T., Laura, Laura Ann,Katie, Amber,and Lindsay. Thank you for allowing me to spend a few days of your summer with you. Thank you for teaching me to love what I do... and to like writing at least a little bit more.

God Bless, I will miss each one of you.

Happy Father's Day, Dad!

2009-06-21T17:23:00.001-04:00

This is my dad with Sophie, she was just a puppy then.

This is my dad with Elise when we were on our cruise in April.

Today is a day of mixed emotions. I feel so blessed by the dad that I have. However, my heart is heavy with sadness because I can't be there on Father's Day with him.

When I think back on my life growing up and even as an adult child my dad is such a part of who I am and what I believe. When I was growing up my dad worked hard and was not at home a lot of the time. He was usually at work. I don't remember a time when he went hunting, or just out with the guys. Although I know there were times that he did.

He was always around, but was hard for me to find sometimes. Now granted we did not always see eye to eye, especailly in my rebellious years. We did fight a lot but he is still the one I seek approval from.

My dad had his first heart attack in 1992, I think, It was at that time that the man I called my dad I barely knew. I was not going to let him pass without getting to know him. So I set out to get to know him. At first just observing who he was. I always thought my dad was lots of fun. He never met a stranger. He might not remember names very well but he was always friendly to everyone. Even today, he will scold me if I do not thank a waitor or waitress when they bring anything to the table.

He loved or should I say he loves the water, mostly lakes, but oceans are ok with him too. He was in the Navy and I am not sure if that is where he got the love from or not. He served in the Navy on submarines. He retrieved torpedos from the ocean. So he was a certified scuba diver, for a while. I never knew he dove until I was an adult and he would tell stories about his time in the Navy. Because of his love for the water, we always a boats of some sort....little johnboats, runabouts, cruiser, and even a houseboat. It is these times on the lake that hit me in my heart. We had lots of fun. But it never failed that when we went to the lake my mom and dad always had it out. That was not the times I like to remember. And yes I, would either end up in the emergency room or urgent care center. Dad used to tease me saying that I liked to check out everybody's health care facilities.

Back to the reason for the Blog. I want those of you who read my blog and have a dad close by you to visit on Father's Day to be very appreciative. My dad is far away and I could not make it home to him this year but you can bet your sweet beppy I will make it home next year.

Love Ya Pops!!!!!! See you soon.

Two Men and Me

2009-06-18T13:48:00.000-04:00

Ok, this is a piece that I am working on for my writing class. Let me know what you think.

My Father

A man with few words to say,
but when he speaks I listen.

A man who loves people
but he might not remember your name.

A man who loves to work with his hands
his furniture fills our homes.

Man who loves the water
and passes it on to his children.

A man that fixes any problem
by rising early to begin his day.

A man with a garden
that he shares with his friends

A man who loves me
whether I deserve it or not

My Husband

A man that can bring laughter
with just his words.

A man who sees my flaw
but pretends they are not there at all.

A man who encourages me
his words fill my spirit so I can soar.

A man whom his daughter admires
whether he knows it or not.

A man that can bring tears
by giving just a look.

A man I share my life with
my happiness, my sadness, my all

A man who loves me
whether I deserve it or not

Holy Ghost It

2009-06-15T19:54:00.000-04:00

Make your words sweet
You may have to eat them.

Denney's Est. 1990

2009-06-09T19:03:00.000-04:00

Nineteen years ago today at 1:00pm at Christ Church United Methodist in Louisville, Kentucky Joel and I were married. We have been through a lot in our 19 years. Some good and some not so good. Some I would change some I would not. I guess all that we go through molds us into the people we are today. The one thing that Joel and I always do is put the Lord first. Sometimes that is hard because our own will gets in the way. We have made sacrifices but we have gained much.

Nineteen years in this day and time is something to be proud of. Here's to another year together.

All the Different Feelings of Summer

2009-06-04T19:10:00.000-04:00

Actually, Summer starts tomorrow for me at 11:31AM. You see that is the time that school gets out for the last time for the 2008-2009 year.

These are the many feelings I have today. Tomorrow may change but for now...., I will leave it at that.

Excitement- That I am.
I am excited for the relaxed schedule of summer.
I want to spent time with Joel and Elise.
I also love reading during the summer. I have been known to stay up until wee hours of the morning just reading.
I am anxious about the upcoming school year.
I wonder about the children God will put in my care next year.
I am excited about developing second grade curriculum even further.

Regret- that may sound funny to you but regret always rears its ugly head at the end of the year.
I regret all the times I have failed to be the person God wants me to be.
I regret the relationships that have not developed the way in which I see they should have.
I regret missing all the little times that were available for me to show some one Christ, and I failed.

Sadness- This summer I am especially sad.
I have signed up for a summer class that meets Monday-Thursday from 8:30-3:30 starting June 9Th and does not end until the first week of July. Ouch. That really cuts into my pool time. I feel great sadness.

Happiness-
Happy that I have had such a loving class and parents that support me in my role as teacher.
And if I must admit it I am really excited to be finished with another year.

Love-
love for all 17 of my sweet little ones.
I also feel the love that they have for me.
Above all else, the love that God has for me.

Amazement- OK maybe that is not a feeling but WOW! Elise will be in high school next year. Am I really that old? No need to answer that, one look in the mirror and I will quickly know the answer.

As I wrap up another year, please pray with me for the students that are leaving my care and also for the students that will be in my room this coming year. Pray for the enrollment at school especially, in the second grade. Pray that God will reign above all else.

Pray for me as I begin the class that I will not be over anxious in the assignments that will be required of me and also that I will have an opened mind to hear what needs to be heard and to change what needs to be changed.

God Bless Everyone!

P.S. The class I have signed up for is the Writing Institute. Help I am not a writer.

Ok I Did IT!

2009-05-30T18:53:00.000-04:00

I bought groceries for less than $150.00 a week that we usually spend. My cost was $57.66.

I have a couple of friends who are doing a coupon craze, and I decided to get on that boat too. I don't know all the secrets quite yet. But give me time I will. I actually just took a sales circular, from BiLo and went through it to find the sale items that I was interested in. I did have some coupons but not too many. I saved over $30.00.

I did have to make a trip to Walmart. That trip was not as successful as the BiLo trip was. I spent $99.00 on the items that I didn't want to get at BiLo. Dog Food was a big one.I did have a coupon for $3.50 off of Purina. But I had to buy cat food and Ink for the printer.

So without the money that I spent on the extras. I figured I spent about $100.00 on groceries this week. Not great but better than last week. I figure if I can cut my grocery bill by about 10 percent it will equal the amount that my paycheck will be cut next year.

Holy Ghost It

2009-05-28T19:08:00.000-04:00

This is a sarcastic Holy Ghost it.

Atheism
A non-prophet group

The Storm Clouds Roll In

2009-05-28T18:54:00.000-04:00

There is one thing in life that I can say I really love. That my friend is a good storm. The type of storms that when it thunders, it rocks our world and when it lightning, it lights up the sky. I love everything about a storm from the smell of the incoming storm to the distant rumbling of the thunder as it leaves my area. I even like the electricity to go out and I can pull out the ole camping lanterns.

Elise was never been afraid of storms probably because we would go out on the front porch and watch the storm come in and roll out. She now loves storms just like me.

The reason why I like storms is well I am not sure why. I may attribute it to the fact that when I was growing up we had a houseboat that had a cuddy cabin. That is a place to sleep in the haul of the boat. Whenever it rained, when we were at the lake it was nap time, and my favorite place to nap was in the cuddy cabin because I could hear the tink, tink, of the rain as it fell in the lake.

Got to go a storm is blowing in.

When I was young and in Kentucky

2009-05-16T19:17:00.000-04:00

These ideas came to me during my writing class. We read the book "When I was Young and in the Mountains" by Cythia Ryland

Assignment: We were to write our version of the story

so here it goes:

When I was young and in Kentucky, my brothers and I would play outside until it was dark. As the daylight turned into dusk and dusk into darkness we would catch lightning bugs.

The game of chase would turn into a game of hide and seek. We would play until the day was nearly done and the sound of mom's voice would bring us home.

When I was young and in Kentucky, we would stretch a volleyball net across the street.

With the sound of a car, the playing would stop, the net lifted, the car would pass, playing resumed.

When I was young and in Kentucky, we would eat watermelon on the side porch. My mom would tell me not to spit seeds, but I did any way.

When I was young and in Kentucky, I would be awaken by the humming of a saw.
Soon my dad would appear covered in sawdust and smelling of musty wood.

When I was young and in Kentucky, we would travel to the lake on warm summer days. We would get so hot that the only time we got out of the water was to eat and then back in we would go.

When I was young an in Kentucky, we would camp out under the star filled skies.

The evenings were consumed with the sweet smell of roasting marshmallows, the sounds of ghost stories being told around the crackling fire.

When I was young and in Kentucky, my family would sit down to eat together. The conversations turned into laughter from the stories told of daily antics.

When I was young and in Kentucky, I never was worried or afraid for I knew I was safe.

Holy Ghost it

2009-05-16T19:13:00.000-04:00

Think about this one:

Prayer
is the soil
in which forgiveness and healing grow best

Holy Ghost It -- Play? I don't think so

2009-05-05T18:04:00.000-04:00

Over the last two weeks our lives have been very busy and tiring (if that is even a word). Many of you know that Elise was in a school play. Well, in my mind it started out as a play but in reality when I saw everything, and I mean everything that went into directing this play...it is no longer a play it is a production and I mean a production in so many ways.

Anyway, during the last two weeks sleep is not a thing that has been to easy to achieve. Yes, my body was willing but the time was not available. Elise had practice for the Beauty and the Beast every night from 5-9:30. Instead of coming home I decided to help create the scenes. What a job that is... I painted shutters,houses,made books and libraries out of cardboard. I painted castles and painted in the mortar lines. It was amazing to watch all of these details come to life.

God,as he always does, speaks to me in little subtle ways. He has never spoken to me in the wind, it is always in the little whispers. I guess I have to be still to hear him. In the mist of turmoil of the last two weeks I saw a Holy Ghost It that read:

Trade God your pieces
For His peace

You really have to understand my schedule was...It was basically school to teach, school to help out with the Beauty and the Beast. If we were lucky we were home by 11:00 up again at 5:00am.

When I passed that sign it did get a That's the truth. But after I sat and thought about it, how true that is.

My first thought was trade all of your possessions. His peace is still worth more. Then the second time I thought man my life is falling to pieces before my eyes. Is that the pieces He was talking about. Then I thought, boy my life has a lot of pieces to it....mom,wife,teacher,helper,coworker,friend. Maybe those are the pieces. After a few thoughts on this Holy Ghost It I decided that it means my all, my everything, all the above, and all that encompasses. All my pieces, possessions, time, talents, just me. And he will give me PEACE.

And sure to His word His Peace came. Yes our schedule was busy, yes I was tired and yes my whole body hurt. But you know what? I looked around at school and saw all of God's fingerprints on the students that he placed in my care, I saw the times he tried to work through me, sometimes I let Him sometimes I failed miserably. I know one thing, the students at Westminster Catawba warm my heart in a way that only I and God know. It is neat to see students that have left the elementary school who are now in high school, who care enough about the Lord and the school to give it their ALL. What great hands and feet God has at WCCS.:)

Cast of Beauty and the Beast Visits my campus

2009-05-04T17:55:00.000-04:00

The main cast of Beauty and the Beast came to our campus the Wednesday before the performance. The sang Be our Guest and did a great job. My class was really excited!!!

Village Scene at Glen Cairn Gardens

2009-04-28T20:33:00.000-04:00

Beauty and the Beast
Starring Elise Denney as a Silly Girl

Oh Yummy!!! A Chocolate Buffet Thursday Night

2009-04-28T19:53:00.000-04:00

Caughtcha mom!
At 11:00 pm on Thursday night there was a chocolate buffet. The pictures are of some of the chocolate statues. Of course they were not edible but the chocolate that was on the buffet was. Unfortunately, I didn't have my camera with me so these are Elise's pictures, and she didn't take any pictures of just the chocolate to
eat. But enjoy and hopefully your mouth will not water that much!!!

Egyptian Pyramids

Elise and a chocolate covered apple. We won't tell her she has something on her chin from the last treat.

Day 6- Florida

2009-04-28T19:18:00.000-04:00

Day 6- We woke up pretty early and headed to the excursion desk. There we found out that we needed to leave to catch a bus to Disney World. Yes, we had to go to Disney to watch Beauty and the Beast. You know Elise is in the school preformance of the Beauty and the Beast. It was a pretty fun day, we went to see Beauty first. Then we headed to American Idol and a few other shows. We went to MGM Hollywood Studio.

Elise just can't get enough of Beauty and the Beast and the Silly Girls.

Can you tell what this is?.... It is a monkey hanging from our stateroom ceiling.

Day 5 Grande Bahama Island

2009-04-26T21:11:00.000-04:00

Today was a very relaxing day, we shopped around the dock a little then we took a taxi to the village shops. The shops were a little upscale until we got to the end where there was more of a straw market. There we bought tshirts, towels,and Elise bought a Coach purse. I also bought Joel some souvenirs. Our taxi driver was named Zelder. She took us on a quick tour of downtown,we even picked up her son to take him to a dentist appointment.

And Elise had a snake in her bed.

Day 4- Nassau

2009-04-26T20:32:00.000-04:00

Sunrise Tuesday Morning

Nassau Bahama is a very interesting place. Pretty sites to see.

We took a Harbor Cruise and then headed to Atlantis Resort. Atlantis has an aquarium,water park, and its own beach.

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Atlantis had massive glass sculptures in the casino. We couldn't take pictures until it was around the glass sculptures.

And
waiting for us back on the ship was a frog.

Day 3- Great Stirrup Cay

2009-04-26T19:59:00.000-04:00

On the third day of our trip we awoke in Great Stirrup Cay. It was a beautiful place. There we snorkeled,laid on the beach,and ate a great lunch right on the beach. The whole trip I couldn't believe the color of the water. I am so amazed at the creativity of our Lord. So as you view the pictures look at the water. The pictures are nothing like the real thing.

We are on the tandem to go to the beach.

Elise at the table ready for lunch.

Durning lunch we were pointed to the spot to snorkel. We saw lots of fish little,BIG,blue and silver. Snorkeling was one of my favorite things that we did on the trip. It was really great to see all the fish and the water was so clear. I only wish that my goggles didn't leak. I guess you can't have it all.

And that night our visitor was a puppy.

Bahama Trip Day 1 and 2. Leaving Charleston and The day at sea

2009-04-20T19:10:00.001-04:00

The Norwegian Majesty pulled out of Charleston Harbor on Saturday April 11th. We arrived in Charleston around 12noon on Saturday and were told to drive around the block a few times until it was time to load onto the ship. We finally got aboard the ship and were eating lunch at 1:30 not too bad for an hour and a half. The first order of business was to find our life boat and to go through the drill. I wish I took pictures of all of us with our life jackets on. We were on the top deck when the ship pulled out of Charleston.

That night we just ate at one of the buffets. I was not feeling to well and started taking sea sick meds. Of all people, I didn't think that I would be the one sick. It wasn't bad. I took the medicine at 7:00, it took a while for it to kick in but I started feeling better around 9:00. We did see a variety show that night that was pretty good.

Sunday we attended church for the Easter service. It was a little unreal to be sitting in the boat and singing praise and worship songs. The service was really good. The rest of that day we just laid out by the pool,ate, and napped. We went to one of the resturants that night for Easter dinner. It was very nice.

Laying on the top deck. Getiing some good rays.

Dad and Elise waiting for our table on Easter.

Mom and I waiting too.

When we returned to our room that evening we found a creature waiting for us. And who says there isn't an Easter Bunny.

That was the end of Day 1 and 2.

God must have a sense of Humor

2009-04-05T20:25:00.000-04:00

My second graders took a field trip to the Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia, I was struck by the humor God must possess. I only took a few pictures this time around but they are of some of the most unique animals.

Well, sure you are thinking they are only elephants,a giraffe, and a gorilla. They aren't too unique. But just think for a minute about an elephant. God created animals even before he created man, we weren't around to mess everything up yet(maybe he had a little more time to have fun). I just can imagine God sitting in heaven and thinking of all these animals... Could he of thought OK, I am going to make a large, one of the largest animals with humongous ears and let's see a nose that will reach to the ground and can be used to pick up things. (That gives a new idea to a nose picker). And for that animal there I will put spots all over it and s-t-r-e-t-c-h its neck so far that it can reach the top of the trees. That animal there ... I am going to give him fingers, toes, and ears but he will need to move on all four of his limbs.

I in no way think in my little mind, I know the thoughts of God. I am just glad he created animals all to be so different. For some to live in the freezing cold, some to live in the hottest of spots. Those pictures are some of the common zoo animals...the pictures I didn't get are of bright colored animals. Birds that can swim and run fast. Creatures that move so slow that we would have to watch forever just to notice. That is not to forget the great tortoise.

Just as with each of these animals, God created us just as unique. Sure we may all have certain things in common but our personalities are as different as the animals. That I am thankful for.

New Holy Ghost-It

2009-03-31T18:06:00.000-04:00

Here are two that I have seen in the last week.

1. We don't change the messege it changes us

2. Nothing is often a good thing to say

For those of you that know me well, you know my mouth sometimes gets me in trouble. My daily prayer is Lord, put one arm around my shoulder and the other across my mouth. So I thought #2 was meant for me personally.

Thank you God for speaking to me through simple church signs.

Wow....I am a proud Momma

2009-03-28T20:58:00.001-04:00

See what I mean? The best thing is not only is Elise beautiful on the outside but also on the inside.

Bahama Bound too!

2009-03-28T20:38:00.001-04:00

Two weeks from now Elise and I will be leaving to go on a cruise to the Bahamas. My parents are taking us on this trip. We are both looking forward to the trip and making great memories with my parents. Joel will not be coming along with us because of his work and school schedule. We are sad that he will not be coming along.

It is a seven day cruise. On Saturday we leave port from Charleston and are at sea all day on Sunday. On Monday we will arrive at Great Stirrup Cay which is an island owned by Norwegian Cruise line. Tuesday we will be spending the day in Nassau, Wednesday we will docked in Grand Bahama Island, and on Thursday we will be in Port Canaveral,Florida. We will spend another day at sea on Friday and arrive back in Charleston on Saturday. I am not really sure of the adventures we will have. I am really looking forward to just seeing the landscapes,sunsets, and the great creations of our loving Father. Just maybe we will be escorted into ports by a dolphin or two.

I do have a prayer request.... My mom will be have a procedure the Wednesday before we leave. I pray that all will go well and that the tests will show no problems. If there is a problem the cruise will be a no go. :( Only our heavenly Father knows.

Well atleast I know

2009-03-25T19:15:00.000-04:00

Two blogs ago I ask if anyone was reading this to leave a comment. Guess what? No one did. So--- I guess no one reads this. I know it is not that exciting. Oh well, It really is just for me.

Friends

2009-03-19T17:37:00.000-04:00

I have never really thought of making friends. I like people and like being around people. Friends....I have some that are diehard friends, some that are friends but not the diehard kind. Have you ever thought what your life would be without any of your friends? Some of my friends are like family. No, we don't get together for holidays but we could. They are the friends that I can depend on in every situation. They ones that tell it like it is. And tell me the true. I love those friends. I really don't have many of these kind of friends but I am thankful for each ones.

Then there are friends that are your people. People that you like to be around. A lot of times they think the way I do. They believe the way I do. I can't really say they look like I do. But none the less they are my friends.

Then there are those that I think are my friends but really aren't. I learn from them too. Have you ever wondered why people can't love? Why do we all have to think the same way, believe the same and do the same things in order to be friends. I guess my question is What would Jesus Do? I honestly don't think He would care about our differences. And that is my story.

Ok!Ok! Shame on me!

2009-03-17T18:32:00.000-04:00

Jeez, Enough already, Shame on me! Ok so it has been a while looking back at the last date of my last blog. I guess you can say I was shamed into writing this. I have a friend that has a blog that pretty much blessed me out for not writing anymore. (I am not sure if she even was talking to me.) I just haven't felt the need to write. My life well it just keeps on going,nothing really exciting,nothing new, no interesting Holy Ghost Its. Maybe I just am not in the mood.

I am a facebook junkie, and usually keep up with friends on it. Facebook that is an interesting subject. I have caught up with some friends that I was really close to once upon a time and that is fun. I like to see what is going on in their day to day world.

When I first started blogging, I did it as a journal for our mission trip, which we thought was going to be to Haiti, and well God had other plans. I can't say we are doing anything adventurous for the Lord any time soon.

I am planning on taking a cruise with my mom, dad and Elise. Joel has to stay at home and make money so we can spend it while we are cruising away. We will be going on a 7 day trip to the Bahamas. I have never had a vacation like this. And at times it seems so unreal. I guess I will believe it when I walk on to the ship.

My parents have both had health scares in the last month. My dad had to have another stent and my mom was in the hospital over night for chest pain. They found nothing wrong with her heart, but don't really know what caused the pains. So...the cruise may be a no go. I don't want to push the issue if my parents aren't up to it. We do have travel insurance but it is just for health reasons.

Elise has made the Beta Club and is trying to keep her grades up and participate in the school play "Beauty and the Beast", she is a silly girl. Of course I know that and have known it for quite some time. Play practice is killing us. It is 3 nights a week from 6-9. Which you might say well that is not too bad but when we live 45 minutes from school. It makes for late nights.

Just curious, who out there reads this? If you read it let me know. MaryAnn does I know, but I don't think anybody knows too much about this.

So I guess I will do what MaryAnn has ask me to do.... If there is a question you would like me to answer. Sent it to me. I will answer it.

Until next time. I will try to do better. :0

Love ya, See Ya Bye!

2008-12-15T19:24:00.000-05:00

Have you ever thought about the things in life that you miss. There are just a few things I can say that I really miss. One of them being the music that was always in the background at my house when I was growing up. (Some how I missed out on that talent.) My dad played the banjo and my younger brother Troy always played the guitar. Funny thing is I can never ever remember Troy not playing the guitar. He is younger than I am but it seems like I could always hear it. Our rooms were next to each other so I always heard him practicing. He still plays to this day, but I don't get to hear it as much. Thank God for the power of technology and my sister-in-laws blog. On occasion he will be playing for the kid in the background of a video that Beth Ann posted. I miss that guitar and my brother.

Another thing I miss is a hot fudge cake from Frishes. I know I can order a hot fudge cake from different restaurants but somehow they just don't taste the same.

I miss the restaurant in Kentucky called Tumbleweed. I think it is by far the best Mexican restaurant. Funny thing is I didn't realize how much I missed it until this passed summer.

I guess things change and you can never and truly go back. I guess that means we should be thankful for each minute of everyday.

More Holy Ghost Its

2008-12-15T19:23:00.001-05:00

Character is easier kept than reclaimed

Holy Ghost It

2008-12-07T20:59:00.000-05:00

OK! Here is another one.

God guides us through storms not from storms.

How true that is. I sometimes wish that I would never have to face any storms.

I can remember in my wedding service. Daddy D (my father in law married Joel and I)made a reference to the fact that our eyes always needed to be on God so that we could have a strong foundation when the storm clouds rolled in. I can remember thinking storm clouds...what is he talking about. I am marrying the guy of my dreams. Everything is perfect... we won't face storms... I guess God had the last laugh on that one. Now, after 18 years of marriage, I can say that Joel and I have faced some storms, maybe even a few F4s. As much as I hate going through tough times, I can feel and see God even more. So I am thankful when the storms end, because on the other side I am a changed person. Hopefully, for the better.

Another Year Past

2008-11-25T20:04:00.000-05:00

Yes once again, November 25Th rolled around on the calendar. During this birthday I really wanted to do some soul searching. What events have happened over the last year that may count for something. As I reflect over another year gone by now, I think about the things that have happened and how they have changed my life. Oh there were no big events, just small day to day happenings that pass by.

One year ago yesterday I was released from the hospital, that event in and of itself unleashed a string of events that have really changed my life. One of the changes was of course medical in nature, for now I will be taking a drug for the remainder of my life. Do I like that idea? No, but I guess it beats the alternative.

We had to put Oscar by beloved best friend to sleep last year. I can honestly say that there is not a day that goes by that he somehow does not cross my mind. I do miss him something terrible.

A new member of our family,Benson, arrived in our family in January. He is a wild and crazy min pin. But he holds my heart in his... mouth usually. He has taught me a lot about the way God is trying to mold me. I am trying to mold Benson. He has free will to do what I ask or else... wouldn't it be great if God could just pop us upside the head for biting others, or making messes. But he does come running when I call. Do I run when God calls me?

Elise turned 13. That is something to be proud of. However where does the time go? How much time has past that I have neglected my relationship with her? I often wonder what will she think of me as she gets older.

Our trip to LA, I am not sure if there are enough words or time or space to even begin with LA. All I can say is the God I serve is awesome and bigger than I have ever imagined. Does he let bad things happen? Yes. Somethings I will not understand this side of heaven.

Seventeen loving and tender hearts are entrusted to my care. What type of impression will I put on them?

This year has been a course of ups and downs. I have had many failures and some high points. I have taken my eyes off the Lord. He continues to be faithful and always draws me back.

Looking to the year ahead is scary yet hopeful. What new highs await? What lows are near? "For I know the plans He has for me will not harm me."

Here's to another year!

Thankfulness

2008-11-22T21:45:00.000-05:00

The season of thanks is upon us, have you ever thought about what you are thankful for. Not appreciative of, but truly gut wrenching thankful. So thankful because you know without these things, you just wouldn't be you.

My top 10 would be
1. The all mighty Lord- I am thankful that he molds me into what He desires and not what I desire.
2.Family-for teaching me what I want to be like and for what I don't want to be like
3.Friends-who aren't afraid of telling me what they really think
4.Health
5.Peace-that passes all understanding
6.Pets-for unconditional love
7.A loving christian environment to work in
8.The imprints that 17 smiling second graders put on my heart.
9.Forgiveness
10.Encouragement

There are other things that I am thankful for but they are material in nature. With the world the way it is today, at any point material things can be ripped from my hands. During this holiday, I am going to search my heart and see what God wants me to be thankful for. I hope everyone will do the same.

Holy Ghost It

2008-11-21T18:28:00.001-05:00

Elise saw this one today and wanted me to add it to the collection.

If you are dog tired you may be growling too much.

Our New Look and a Holy Ghost It

2008-11-19T21:21:00.000-05:00

Hey I hope you enjoy our new look. Elise kept urging me to change my template because it was too dark and looked to "goth." The header is from Robbie Foreman, Elise's youth pastor and a great friend of the family. I hope you enjoy the new look. It is definitely much brighter.

The Holy Ghost It that I saw the other day was:

Forbidden fruit creates many jams

I will just let you ponder that for a while.

The Pictures in my Mind

2008-11-11T18:49:00.000-05:00

I am not really sure how many of the readers of this blog have ever gone on a mission trip. If you have gone on one please comment and let me know if this happens to you too.

When we set out to go on a mission trip this summer and even while we were in Los Angeles I never thought that some of the places and things that I witnessed would flash pictures in my head. Sometimes these images just appear with not really any thought of the trip, I could be talking to someone or driving down the road. I remember telling myself that I need to relish every part of the trip. Joel and I don't do a lot of traveling so to go across the country was a big deal to me. I did want to remember every aspect. But even today it has affected my life in a mighty way. I think it has definitely made me more mindful of being a servant to the Lord.

I guess what I am trying to say or ask is do these visions happen to everyone that goes on a mission trips or does God continue to return these sights in my head to lead or direct me in a way.

I wonder about the children that we played with after school for a week. I wonder about the 4 people we took out to breakfast, I wonder about all the people who are homeless as winter approaches, I wonder about the people that we made eye contact with on the Metro. I wonder if any of this every really makes since to anyone but me. It is like that trip has been engraved into my very soul. While we were there it didn't impact me as much as it has since I have been home. The thing of it is --- I really don't want these pictures to ever stop. I wonder why the pictures just pop into my head but I don't want them to quit either.

This year the youth is going to Barbados -- Elise is not old enough to make the trip this year, I originally didn't think I would mind sitting this one out but truth of the matter is I would love to be going --- but all of us going together not me, not Elise, and not Joel, all of us.

Holy Ghost It

2008-11-11T18:46:00.000-05:00

OK here is another one:

A bible that is falling apart belongs to someone whose life isn't.

And that about says it.

Do We Ever Really Belong?

2008-11-01T19:59:00.000-04:00

Do you remember the song from the show CHEERS...where the words say...go, where everybody knows your name, where you're always glad you came...or at least that is the way I think they go.

I want a place like that to hang out in. Not the bar part, but the part where everyone knows my name,where I am known and loved for who I am. Does such a place exist? There are times that I walk into places and think that I am invisible. I don't want to be invisible but in reality I am. There is one place that I can walk into that I honestly don't think people would care if I walked out of. Well, OK maybe a few but just a few.

Oh, I know what you are thinking. God knows me by name, in fact he knows the number of hairs on my head. I know all those things but I still desire a place where everybody knows my name and if I don't show up that someone will ask about me.

I look at Elise and struggle with where we should send her to school next year. Should we stay at WCCS or should we move closer to home so she can have friends all around her. Then things like tonight happen. I took her to a party. This is an annual event this time of year. I think this is her 4th time. I pull up to the drive and my car is literally swarmed with people. All of them coming to help her get out of the car. They of course are polite and speak to me,which makes me feel cool. I wish Elise could see the way the events of just driving up a drive way play in my head, when she says do you think I am pretty, do you think I am fat. Some of times, I hope she sees just how loved she is.

Then that quiet whisper says,"leave her there, you are where you need to be." And I guess that is the answer to that question.

Holy Ghost-It

2008-10-23T18:40:00.000-04:00

I told you I wanted to start writing these down and now I am.

This one today read:

We do "faith" lifts. Get it Faith not face lifts... I just had to smile :)

Privileged

2008-10-22T20:56:00.000-04:00

Sometimes do you ever just sit in wonder about life and even death. I just received a call from one of my second graders. Now, remember that my second graders are only 7 years old. But the maturity that they can show is just amazing.

Let me take you back to this morning... One of my student's father walked her in this morning, he didn't say much just handed me a note that read: My mom passed away this morning, the children don't know about it yet. But Madilee will need to be absent tomorrow.

I of course didn't say anything to Madilee about her grandmother. During one of my breaks she came up to me and said, "my mom was crying this morning. I don't know why she was crying but it sounded like she had lost her voice. I am sure that it was something the they felt like I didn't need to know." I reassured her to my best ability. I gave her extra hugs as we went through the day.

At 8pm Madilee called me at home. She explained that her grandmother had passed away. I asked if she had been sick. She said no that she died in her sleep. I ask her if her grandmother believed in God she said yes. I ask do you know the best thing about that and she answered she's in heaven. With tears in my eyes I said, "You are right." She is sitting at the banquet with Jesus. At the end of our conversation I so wanted to reach through the phone and pull her into a hug. But the best I could say was,"I am praying for you and Madilee, I love you." She said, "Thanks and Mrs. Denney I love you too."

I am amazed and so full of gratitude to the Lord. How can I, stumbling, bumbling, old me have a place of importance in someone else's life. For that I am just amazed. I don't thank God enough for allowing me to play a role in my students' life. Lord, use me to show your love. Help me pass on the peace that passes all understanding. (even mine)

Holy Ghost It

2008-10-20T19:53:00.000-04:00

Okay here is one I would like to rearrange the words on.

God is the steering wheel on your spare tire.

Wouldn't it make more sense if it read:
God is the steering wheel not your spare tire.

I think of a steering wheel as something that guides you and a spare tire as something that bails you out of trouble. Which is true in both accounts when it comes to God. He does guide us but also bails us out. Isn't it more important to call on Him to guide us in everything then we won't need to be bailed out.

Boy with even saying that there are so many times that I fall short of His mark. I need to hold tight to the steering wheel.

Happy Driving!!!:)

Friends and Prayers

2008-09-21T18:45:00.000-04:00

After a very emotional week, my brother, Todd is hanging in there. For those who don't know, Todd, my older brother, had open heart surgery in May of this year. During his open heart they bypassed 5 veins. We thought that he would have a very long life due to the fact that he pretty much had a new heart. He was recovering well, or so we thought.

On Monday of this week he went to rehab. He had been feeling a little different, while at rehab he started having chest pains. At around noon on Monday my phone rang and I just happened to be sitting at my desk. My students were in an enrichment and I was trying to get caught up on my emails. When I looked at the caller id it was my mom. That is always my first sign that something is not quite right. Mom knows I will not pick up my phone during the day. The first thought is that something is wrong with my dad, his heart is not that great either. When I answered the phone my mom told me that Todd was back in the hospital and was undergoing a heart cath.

The doctors saw that two of the bypassed veins were 99% blocked. Which means he was in for either open heart or stents. Tuesday morning at 7:30 there place 4 stents into my brothers heart. He left the hospital on Wednesday afternoon.

Saturday morning at around 9:30 Todd was at the ball park watching his two boys playing football. He felt as though he was going to pass out and was experiencing chest pains once again. He was taken to the hospital by ambulance. When I got that call, I was not encouraged even a little. Yesterday he underwent yet another heart cath. where the doctors found a blood clot. So with the blood clot removed and another 4 stents later he is recovering in the hospital in Lexington,Ky.

So this is where the title comes in. Friends and Prayers. I can only say that the first person I called after my mom called me was not Joel or my best friend but it was to my schools secretary. For I knew one call to her and there would be a number of people interceding for Todd. The prayer chain would be started and people would be praying.

I then called Joel and my two closest friends to pray too. When one of them answered she said she had just gotten the call from the prayer chain. That quick news was out that Todd needed prayer. I emailed an update to my principal around 8:00 last night. When I checked my emails there were entries that just read prayer request. I opened one after another to find notes of prayer and encouragement for me and for Todd. I sat at my computer with tears pooling in my eyes thinking of all the people that will intercede for me. I knew that school would pray but I didn't expect the notes back.

The verse that kept coming to my mind over and over again yesterday was "Be still and know that I am God." Do you know how hard it is to sit and be still knowing that if something did happen I was 500 or so miles away (8 hours) from being there. It is hard to talk to a brother that is so worried that he is not going to come out alive on the phone. All the things I wanted to say of course did not get said. He was scared and worried about his own family. What does anybody say in that situation. I can remember when the doctors took my dad away for his open heart and my older brother saying to him,"We will see you on the other side." Those words being tears to my eyes even now. But how true they are. I will see Todd on the other side be it here or in heaven. I am just thanking God that this time around it will be here. I know God is God.

Here's another Post-it

2008-09-11T20:13:00.000-04:00

Maybe I should call these Holy Ghost its. Because the Holy Ghost sure does speak.. I guess he knows I am a visual person.

Attitude is the crayon that colors our world

God's Post-it Notes

2008-09-07T12:38:00.000-04:00

I travel 72 miles round trip to and from school each day . A lot of that time, especially in the mornings, I spend talking to God. During the drive I pass a lot of churches. God communicates to me by using their signs. The number of times He has spoken to me are way too numerous to count. Elise has gotten used to the quiet of the morning drives except for the occasional "isn't that the truth". She used to ask what? Now, she knows that we just passed a church. I always told myself I was going to carry a notebook in the car and jot down all the different signs that have spoken to me. I never have until now. I have been making the trip to and from Rock Hill for 12 years and I can only remember a few ... I think I better start writing them down.

Here's the few that I remember.

1. Instead of pointing a finger hold out a hand
2. worry looks around
sorry looks back
hope looks up
3. Gospel starts with GO

I always like to share these with others. Just the other day I was telling Joel about one that I had passed and I told him it was like God sending post-it notes down from heaven. The next time you pass a sign and the thought "isn't that the truth" crosses your mind, thank God for the many ways and means in which he speaks to us. Happy driving.

Its all in the Family

2008-08-23T19:31:00.000-04:00

Our family with Joel's family. We traveled to Kentucky to celebrate their 60th wedding aniversary.
No you are not seeing double. If Elise was a few years older and just a few inches shorter I think she and Beth could double for one another.

My mom and her new babies.

After a trip to Kentucky, a very quick trip, I understand now why we look the way we do and why we love the things we do.

I think I am getting old!

2008-08-22T21:19:00.000-04:00

Wow, I think this has been the longest week I can remember.

Monday started out pretty early. I had to go to school and prepare my room and what not for the year. I got to work around 8:30. That night I had Open House, so I was literately at school for 12 hours with no break unless you count the time I took to change from my work clothes to Open House clothes. Once arriving home I had to prepare lunch for Elise and I for Tuesday, do laundry, unload the dishwasher and oh yeah eat myself. Of course by the time that I got home I really wasn't even hungry.

Tuesday morning started out at our regular time 5:00am. It was only a half day of school. The students came in at 8:00 and left at 11:40. School was only a half day but Elise had a volleyball game. We needed to leave school at 2:00 but before that we had to arrange Elise's locker. Now that is a whole other subject. Oh yeah I forgot to tell you the game was an hour away from school, that means two hours away from home. That night we did not get home until 9:00. Elise had homework too. Again when I got home I had to prepare for Wednesday: pack lunch, make sure clothes are clean and ironed for wear. So I think that night we were in bed around 11:00. Another 18 hour day.

Wednesday was the first full day of school. The students arrived at the normal time 7:55. It was on from that point. We did math, reading, played games, ate lunch, went to Bible and PE. Then we had a back to school bash at church which I had volunteered to work concessions. So we left church at 9:30. The band was awesome. They were the Glorious Unseen. Check them out on myspace. They sounded really great.

Thursday was another full day of school. Elise had another away game. I also had a faculty meeting. I made the decision that I would not attend this game because Joel was able to be there. But with not going to the game, I still didn't leave school until after 5. So I had put in another 12 hour day.

TGIF-- Another regular day of school but today after school a friend of mine and I held a Thirty-One party. Thirty One is a christian based company based on Proverbs
31. It was suppose to be a drop in from 3-4. We didn't leave school until after
6:30. So it was another very long day.

My legs hurt, my hips hurt, my lung hurts. I think my whole body is one big ache. However, as tired as I am physically... God has sustained me spiritually. I love God with all my heart and soul. I know he is with me during every part of my life whether it is being tired, being in bad moods, or fixing my eyes on him.

I wish you could meet my class this year. I have 17 children that are made in the image of the great Creator. Some of them like to talk, some are quiet, some push my boundaries, and some struggle to make it through the day. I probably already know who is going to be my booger and who is going to hold my heart in their hands. The funny thing is, is that I think I love all of them. I am sure after lots of days together there will be days that they push my buttons and I push theirs. But I know that when I look out over my class I get a warm feeling in the very being of my soul. I know that God is the only one that can put that there. So I am looking forward to the weekend when I can spend time with my family and myself...but on Monday morning I will be ready to face the sweet sweet spirits in my class. I know through God all things are possible and I pray that I am the servant He wants me to be.:)

Is it the beginning or the end?

2008-08-13T20:47:00.001-04:00

Summer is over, the school year begins.... is it a happy time or a sad time?

In just a few more days I will have the opportunity to meet my new second graders. Is it an opportunity or a privilege?

At this time of year when summer is drawing to an end I am sad because my time is not my own anymore. I now have to operate on someone else's schedule. I have meetings to attend, practices that I have to have Elise to, games I get to watch, and committees to serve on. My time is not my own anymore. However, really in the scheme of things my time is never my own it is the Lord's time.

All summer long I have prayed for God to place in my class the students that need me. I often sit and wonder why is it that I always carry the most students, why is it me that gets the one or two students that are the boogers. Once again this year I have the class of 17. One class has 15 the other has 14. I am asking myself once more why do I get the most students. I could puff myself up and think that they were assigned to me because I can handle them. My reputation is one of being the challenger or the one who pushes. Or I can simply look at it for what it is and that is the privilege that the Lord has given me to show these students my Jesus, to let them know that the creator of the universe, the same person that created everything created them. If we think about God and all the glorious things that he has done from the largest stars to the smallest cell, He indeed is glorious. So if he did all those glorious things where does that put me or the students that I will be serving. They too are glorious.

I know that there are some students that I will not be able to reach. And those are the ones that truly break my heart. How can I reach the unreachable? As the beginning of a new year approaches I don't have a clue what this year will hold. The only thing I do know is that the Glorious God has place those 17 tender hearts in my care for 180 days and I hope and pray that I will not fail Him!!! That one day when I am no longer in this world that He will look upon me with loving eyes and say "Well done good and faithful servant."

If you actually take the time to read this blog, you don't have to tell me, just pray for me. I enter the battleground for hearts of children as a marked woman myself. Satan would love to see me mess up. So pray that he will be kept from God's work. Pray that through God I can be His mouth piece, that the students can see Jesus in me, and that Kingdom hearted children will leave me after 180 days stronger believers. But most of all my prayer is that God will transform lives even if it is my very own.

To God be the Glory, great things he has done.

Mans Best Friend

2008-07-30T10:09:00.001-04:00

How can an animal wrap itself so tight around my heart. I have always had a special place in my heart for animals especially dogs. Joel even tells me that I love Benson more than I love him.

Benson is now a whopping 15 lbs. and is probably 12 inches if not taller. This dog can make me feel all sorts of emotion. Sometimes I love him and sometimes I have to punish him. Sometimes he is the smartest dog around and others well lets just say that he loses his brains.

He is a wide open little man. If we don't keep a close eye on him he can get himself into mischief. The toys that he has have been punctured and the stuffing ripped out. The stuffing is usually spread all over the house. If I start to pick it up when he is around I usually get a fussing at. He seems very proud of his work.

One thing is for sure the love I have for Benson does not even come close to the love that my Heavenly Father has for me. And that is something to rest in.

Trip to Kentucky

2008-07-27T12:25:00.001-04:00

On July 21, Elise, Terra,(Elise's best buddy)and I left for Kentucky. Terra had never been to Kentucky and Elise had asked for years for her to join us on one of our trips. We made good time and arrived in Ky around 4:00. Little did I know that we were in for a trip of a lifetime. We had things and events planned for the whole week. I don't think that there was hardly any time to be bored. We went to movies, homearoma,a trip to Mammoth Cave, country clubs and spa treatments. I do believe that a good time was had by all.

As the days passed by quickly, I began to realize that our family has missed out on so much time with our extended family. It truly saddens my heart. Even as I crossed the board of KY to Tenn I was asking God why? I guess I will not ever know that answer. I think I even sent up a prayer for God to return us to KY. Like God always does he responded back to me that it is not in His will. He brought these things to my mind. We have made true friends that are like our family. People that encourage us, that invite us to their holiday celebrations, people that we call on in the time of need. As I reflected over our week at home, I realized that I have changed as a person. I no longer need some of the "things" that 13 or 14 years ago I thought were important. I am not sure sometimes if I have changed for the better or just the fact that I have change. The most important change of all is that I live life for the Lord.

However, for those of you who are readers of this blog,and have family close by please please value the time you have with your family. Really concentrating on your extended family. Those that come over when they are not invited, those that do things for us that we didn't ask them too. Count yourself lucky if you don't ever have to pay for a babysitter because you can call your mom or mother-in-law. Families are a resource for knowledge and wisdom. Count your blessings. I only wish I had family that was close. Oh, I know that mine would drop everything at a call to come but they are still 8 long hours away. I can't just call and expect them to be over here for a jog. I sometimes think that God orchestrated the whole institution for family so that we can only glimpse how He loves us. Show His love to your family each time you are together.

Thanks mom and dad for a great week. We enjoyed ourselves greatly. We appreciate everything you did and do for us. Love ya, See ya. Bye

How sweet it is to get away with family

2008-07-10T21:58:00.000-04:00

Living away from family is often the hardest choice that I have ever made. It is hard to miss the good times together and not to be able to be there to give support during the hard times too. However, I know that the Lord called us to move. He has sustained us through not having family close by. He has uplifted our family like no other. I may never understand the reason that He called us out of KY, but I know that it was because of Him that we left. So when your inlaws get on your nerves because they are at your house when you get back from a trip don't be so quick to send them away.

Our family took a long weekend to spend time with my parents and some of our cousins in Gatlinburg. It was fun to be together and have uninterrupted time with my nephews. God grants us time with those we hold close to us.