Pray For Those In the Storms Path

God Bless Our Loved Ones

Wayne and I have been here in the Smokey Mountains for 3 days and will be here another week or so. We did not know that a hurricane was coming and heading towards Baton Rouge at the time we left Baton Rouge. This trip has been planned for about 2 months.

Since we have been here at Bunni's we have found out that a dangerous storm by the name of Gustav is making it's way towards the southern Louisiana coastline. We feel so helpless because we are so far away. Sam, my cousin, has notified us that our church, Greenwell Springs Baptist Church , has been notified by the Red Cross that they will not be able to house 800 evacuees as they had planned because they themselves are in the major path of this dangerous storm. They are so disappointed because they wanted so much to assist their friends and neighbors in the southern area as best they could.

I have several cousins and an aunt that live just outside of Baton Rouge and all of Wayne's children and grandchildren live just outside of Hammond. They had all decided to stay at their homes and make the best preparations they possibly know how to make.

I also have family in southern Mississippi and do not know if they are in harm's way or not.

So I am asking all of you to be in prayer for all those that are in the path of this storm. If you have ever stayed and sat out one of those hurricanes you know the anguish and anxieties and fears that you experience.

Thank you so much for remembering all those in this storm and if you are able to assist in any way now or after the storm I know it will be greatly appreciated. God Bless All Of You.........

LET IT GO

Has there ever been a situation in your life that you just could not accept? Something that would just cling to your mind and not let go? Most of us think that we cannot control our thought process, but that is far from the truth. Just another lie from the devil. We have as much control over our thoughts as we do what we speak from our mouth. It is a choice.
In Phillippians 4:8 God tells us "Whatever is Noble, Right, Pure, Lovely, Think On These Things". He is telling us we have a choice, we can choose to stay in the pit of unforgiveness and anger or grief or we can by the Grace of God put our mind on these things He tells us about.
My son-in-law, Ken, sent this to Wayne and I this morning at 1:28 a.m . and I read it at 4:30 a.m. I guess we were both having trouble sleeping.
I wish I had thought of this but the credit goes to T. D. Jakes. For those of you who don't know of him or approve of him I hope you can put your opinion of him aside long enough to read this. There is great wisdom in these words I think. God can inspire any of us to write things................

"LET IT GO"

There are people who can walk away from you. And hear me when I tell you this! When people can walk away from you: let them walk.

I don't want you to try to talk another person into staying with you,> loving you, calling you, caring about you, coming to see> you,> staying attached to you.> I mean hang up the phone

When people can walk away from you let them walk.> Your destiny is never tied to anybody that left.>

> People leave you because they are not joined to you.> And if they are not joined to you, you can' t make them stay.> Let them go.> > >

And it doesn't mean that they are a bad person,> it just means that their part in the story is over.> And you've got to know when people's> part in your story is over so that you> don't keep trying to raise th e dead.> >

> You've got to know when it's dead.> You've got to know when it's over.> Let me tell you something> I've got the gift of good-bye.> It's the tenth spiritual gift,> I believe in good-bye.>

> > It's not that I'm hateful, it's that I'm> faithful,> and I know whatever God means for me to have> He'll give it to me.> And if it takes too much sweat I don't need it.> Stop begging people to stay.> Let them go!!> >

> If you are holding on to something> that doesn't belong to you and was never intended for> your life,> then you need to ..LET IT GO!!!>

> If you are holding on to past hurts and pains ...>
LET IT GO!!!> > If someone can't treat you right, love you back, and> see your worth...>
LET IT GO!!!>

> If someone has angered you ...
> LET IT GO!!!>

> If you are holding on to some thoughts of evil and revenge> ..>
LET IT GO!!!>

> If you are involved in a wrong relationship or addiction> ...>
LET IT GO!!!>

> I f you are holding on to a job that no longer meets your> needs or> talents ..>
LET IT GO!!!>

> If you have a bad attitude...
> LET IT GO!!!>

> If you keep judging others to make yourself feel better...>
LET IT GO!!!>

> If you're stuck in the past and God is trying to take> you to a new> level in Him...>
LET IT GO!!!>

> If you are struggling with the healing of a broken> relationship....> LET IT GO!!!>

> If you keep trying to help someone who won't even try> to help> themselves..> LET IT GO!!!>

> If you're feeling depressed and stressed .>
LET IT GO!!!>

> If there is a particular situation that you are so used to> handling> yourself and God is saying 'take your hands off of> it,' then you need> to...LET IT GO!!!>

> Let the past be the past.> Forget the former things.> GOD is doing a new thing for 2008 !!!>
LET IT GO!!!>

> Get Right or Get Left ... think about it, and then>
LET IT GO!!!> >

> 'The Battle is the Lord's!'>

> During the next 60 seconds, Stop whatever you are doing,> and take this> opportunity. (Literally it is only One minute!) All you> have to do is the> following:

You simply say 'The Lords Prayer' for> someone you love .

The Lords Prayer>

> Our Father,> who art in Heaven,>
Hallowed be Thy Name,>
Thy Kingdom Come,>
Thy Will be done,>
on Earth as it is in Heaven.>
Give us this day,> our daily bread>
and forgive us our trespasses>
as we forgive those who trespass against us.>
And lead us not into temptation>
but deliver us from evil.>
For Thine is the Kingdom,>
and the Power,>
and the Glory,> forever.>
> Amen.>

Guess Who Is Playing The Violin?

This modern technology is absolutely wonderful. I clicked on my computer and saw that my daughter, Bunni was on so I did the "Instant Messenger" thing and wa-la-------we were looking at each other on the screen and talking. That just amazes me. She called Brody over to the computer and he showed me his new violin. He is only 4 years old but he has always shown great interest in any kind of musical instrument, drums, horns, guitars and especially violins. He is now taking violin lessons and doing great. When I listen to the news now and I hear all the problems that is going on with Russia I just thank God for allowing this precious child to get out of that country before it shuts the doors again. Bunni and Ken have had Brody since he was 6 months old. I cannot tell you what a blessing Brody has been to all of us. The process was long, expensive and very time consuming on the part of Bunni and Ken. They went through many interviews, had to give all sorts of information on themselves and the rest of the family, two trips to Russia for about 2 weeks each trip.
I was not too eager for them to add another to the fold but now I thank God they did not listen to me. It is always better to follow God when He is speaking than your mom, always. I just wanted to share these few little pictures with all of you. There are many other children in Russia that are waiting to be adopted. I pray that they will be able to leave that country before a war really breaks out.

Unconditional Love..............

div>

I don't know if all of you remember or have even been with me since I started this blog as to the reason I started doing this writing.

-

I started writing hoping to shock my memory back into action so I could go back to those days of my youth and teen years and early years of motherhood. It has all been so sketchy since Susanne died. For 28 years I never much wanted to go back because the pain has been so terrific. But since Wayne and I married I have wanted to try to remember those days that we shared together because I know they must have been good times. Except for when he broke up with me.

-Anyway, I have been having a ball taking pictures with our digital camera that Wayne's children gave us for Christmas. This morning I started looking back into those pictures and I have been so overwhelmed with the love I see just bursting out of those pictures.

-

As I looked at each one of these pictures I saw beautiful people that I love and have loved all my life. Everyone of these special people have been such an important part of my life at some point.

-We tend to automatically love all those that we have known all our life and are family. Well what has touched me so while looking at these pictures is the love I see that they all have for Wayne. Most of them, my family especially, have only known him a year. They know very little of his past, only what I have told them or that he has shared with them. Wayne is very modest about talking about his past so the information my children have about him is mimimum. When he does talk much it is usually about his children or grandchildren. Sometimes fishing........ha ha

-This article is not meant to bypass Wayne's grandchildren or children. I can only write about my family, I know them best. As you look at everyone of these pictures please know that I love them dearly and think they are wonderful, but I also know that none of them are perfect. I know that is why when they look at someone; they dont expect perfection, just honesty and trueness (if that is a word).

-They do not judge each other nor have they judged Wayne and I, they have received us both with open arms and helped us in this new life we have ventured out on. I understand there are those that do not feel the same way and they have that right. Some things take time and hopefully they will have how ever much time they need to accept this new path we are now on.

- It is amazing how instantly my children and grandchildren have taken to Wayne. It amazes me. I do believe they can see something in Wayne that is inward, a sincereness to want to love and just be loved. He certainly makes no demands on any of them and in return they do not demand anything of him.

-

There is something to be said about respect........RESPECT. I believe when we choose to think ourselves better than others that gives us the right to judge others and be disrespectful or rude. We all have the right to disagree and most of the time we do. But we do not have the right to make someone feel less than what God has made them to be. Only God has the choice of passing judgement on anyone.

-

To love unconditional means to love no matter what. WE dont have to approve of every thing one does but we do have to love them. I can truly say that my children have loved me through it all.................and there has been a great amount of ALL. It took me years to get to the point that I could function like a sane person after Susanne died. Jason was eight years old at the time and I shudder to think of the days and nights that I was wrapped up in my blanket of pain and emptiness. Bunnie had married and moved to her new home with her new husband trying to start a new life after just loosing her only sister. Their father had gone on with his own life trying to survive the only way he knew how and Jason and I were at home alone. Two years later his father had a heart attack and had open heart surgery. Three years later our house burned to the ground and not only did Jason lose a sister, and a sister move away from home and his father worked off; he lost everything materially that he owned. I would say that this was definately a hard time for him. Then when he became 21 his parents were separated and eventually divorced. He could have just said to heck with it.........but God kept His hand on Jason. Thank you Jesus.

-

Jason and Bunnie had just as many needs as I did but I was not in a position to help them. That is how I know that God's Grace is sufficient, He does carry us when we are not able to carry ourselves or our loved ones. I dont often go where I find myself this morning. I just know how much I love my friends and children for loving me through all my mistakes and sins. Nothing in the world could ever make me not love my family, we need each other to survive in this world.

-

Bunnie as I mentioned in my earlier blog about her has been so loving and understanding to me. She has such a sweet , tender heart and wants only to be a good wife and mother and child of God. She appreciates the fact that she has a husband that loves her and children that love her. She appreciates the fact that God has blessed her with a brother who she loves dearly and that loves her very much.

-

Jason and Bunnie have a wonderful relationship with each other. I picture all these strings leading out from each one of my family members and God holding the other end. Bunnie and Jason know that it takes everyone to watch the others to be sure none of those strings slip out and float away. I thank God for the love Bunnie and Jason have for each other. Bunnie has such a depth about her when it comes to understanding people. She has always from day one seen something in Wayne that surprised me. It is almost like she can look within and see the heart of someone. In the case of Wayne she has been right.

-- Jason sent me an email last night that just brought tears to my eyes. It is so hard to see the depth of someone until they actually put it into writing. I know God is blessing Jason in more ways than I can begin to imagine. I can remember the nights in Dallas, Texas that I lay face down crying out to God to touch my son and bless him. There were several scriptures I would speak over him several times a day out loud, ...............I have always known God had a plan for Jason and I thank Him for letting me live long enough to see it.

-

A man brought a big rock to Sunday School a couple of weeks ago. On this rock it simply said...........Who will be the first to throw this stone? I am sure I have been a part at some point in my earlier life that I was a stone thrower, may God forgive me.

-

Sam and Karen have been such true loyal christian friends and we will always be forever grateful for their love and understanding. God is surely in their lives and we are so happy for them. I want to thank them for their prayers and love they have shown us. It is so nice to see Sam and Wayne being back where they can enjoy each others friendship.

-

Wayne and Alma have been reunited after many years of separation. Alma has a heart bigger than anyone I have ever known. She truly loves deeply and forgives and loves unconditionally. Alma has always loved her big brother and she is such an inspiration to him now. No matter how long the separation nothing can destroy the true love of a brother and sister. Thank you Jesus for that.

-

I have a son-in-law that has absolutely been wonderful to me and now he is the same with Wayne. He realizes the importance of family and does more than his share to try to keep all the strings connected. He has a desire to please God and to serve Him. He loves my daughter with a great intense love. He has been a wonderful husband and father and I love and respect him so.

-

I have a daughter in law that is so sweet and loves my son with all her heart. Together they have struggled through some things that the devil has tried to throw at them but both Kim and Jason realize where the arrows are coming from and together they call on the Lord to sustain them and deliver them. They understand the power of the blood of Jesus and His name!

-Well, this has certainly gotten out of hand this morning. I truly am writing my heart into this computer. I am so proud of all my immediate family and friends for loving Wayne even though they have only known him for a short while. And thank them for loving me for all the years they have known me. I am sure each one of them has played a part in keeping me close to God and reminding me how very very blessed I am. And if any of you have read this to the end, I hope that some small something will remind you to tell someone how special they are and to try to remember no more the things God has already forgiven them for after they asked Him for forgiveness.

What Do You See?

WHAT DO YOU SEE WHEN YOU LOOK AT THIS PICTURE?

At first glance I just saw a mangled ole tree that was almost dead.
But then as I looked closer I saw green growing out at the tips of the branches. Then I saw something that resembled the face of a duck on the branch protruding from the center of the tree. Then I saw this silly stick person with hands and legs stretched out in all directions trying to run. There is something about this picture that just makes me smile. I guess maybe that is what it looks like to get old and running around in all directions, sort of straggly looking. This picture was taken at the State Capital Building grounds.
This picture made me think of how often we look at something first glance and just see a person that is tired and worn out. But if we will take a few more seconds we may see a person that has put in many many years of time and love and understanding into lots of people. The outside may be worn but the inside is beautiful. And in reverse the outside can be beautiful and the inside be in ruins. I am sure there is a scripture that fits the picture I am trying to paint here.
I was picturing Susanne with her little birthmark on her face. It covered half her face and most of the top and back of her head. When she was little it was so obvious. It was a deep dark red color. At first glance people would stare but as they got to know her it became almost invisible. They could see the little girl on the inside instead of the ugly birthmark on the outside.
Sometimes I think we need reminding to be a little more sensitive to those that seem to have more to deal with then we do. Overcoming any physical appearance or handicap is difficult to say the least. Most of the time those are the most beautiful.

This Is The Day The Lord Has Made

This is the day the Lord has made

I will rejoice and be glad in it........

If you have been watching the news the past few days

you are certainly aware of all the tension and unrest

in the world. Each one of us has so many loved ones

and needs to pray for I know. I hope that we will

all be able to find time to pray for our nation and

our soldiers that are in harms way at this time.

I have a grandson in Afghanistan and 2 nephews

that are in the military that could at some

point this year be sent over to the middle east.

I pray God will have mercy on this nation

and forgive us of our sins and bless us

once again.

WHO AM I? WHO ARE YOU?

There is no doubt most all of you have heard the beautiful song by Casting Crowns, "Who Am I?"

The first words are "Who am I, that the Lord of all the earth
Would care to know my name
Would care to know my hurt
Who am I that the Bright and Morning Star
Would choose to light the way
For my ever wandering heart?

Not because of who I am
But because of what YOU"VE done
Not because of what I've done
But because of who YOU are............

I am a flower quickly fading
Here today and gone tomorrow
A wave tossed in the ocean
A vapor in the wind

Still you hear me when I' m calling
Lord, You catch me when I'm falling
And You've told me who I am
I am YOURS, I am YOURS

My sister, Brenda, heard this song right after she found out that
she had cancer. This song spoke to her so personally. I know Brenda knew that the Lord was with her during her walk with death. The last words to this song is............Whom shall I fear
Whom shall I fear
'Cause I am YOURS
I am YOURS..........

Most of the time we identify ourselves as.......someones wife or husband, someones mother or father, or some one's grandmother or grandfather, or by our occupation if we happen to have one like:
President, teacher, preacher, accountant, doctor or lawyer. But do we think often enough of WHO WE REALLY ARE IN THE EYES of GOD?
This is the true identity we should all be concerned about.

Everyday I have to take inventory of myself and then face my GOD and talk it over with HIM. I want the slate to be wiped clean when HE comes for me. I don't want to have any unconfessed sins in my life, so I daily go to my Lord and ask forgiveness. Why do I feel the need to do this you may ask? Well, I pretty much know who I am. I am a sinner saved by GRACE who is capable of sinning. I try very hard to keep it clean but then the ole "thought process" kicks in. Remembering faults or hurts, rehashing in my mind old conversations or moments of gossiping or forgetting to be kind or not being willing to forgive someone.

It is easier to be Bunnie's mother or Ryley's grandmother or Brenda or Bart's sister than it is to be just plain ole me.........LaJuanah. I think it is important for us to stop and remember WHO WE ARE...........and then remember WHO HE IS...............

As I watched Brenda leave all of us that loved her so very much, I also knew that in a second she was with Jesus, and Susanne and now my mother is with them. Our pastor preached this morning on how glorious the passing of a loved one that knows Jesus. We miss them terribly but I would never ask God to send them back to this ole earth again. I pray that if any of you reading this do not know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour that you will ask Him to be just that. He loves you more than anyone and HE knows exactly WHO YOU ARE.

My My My--You Are Indeed

YOU ARE

You are strong...

When you take your grief and teach it to smile.

You are brave...

When you overcome your fear and help others to do the same.

You are happy...

When you see a flower and are thankful for the blessing.

You are loving...

When your own pain does not blind you to the pain of others.

You are wise...

When you know the limits of your wisdom.

You are true...

When you admit there are times you fool yourself.

You are alive...

When tomorrow's hope means more to you than yesterdays

mistakes.

You are growing....

When you know what you are but not what you will become.

You are free..

When you are in control of yourself and do not wish to control

others.

You are honorable..

When you find your honor is to honor others.

You are generous...

When you can take as sweetly as you can give.

You are humble...

When you do not know how humble you are.

You are thoughtful...

When you see me just as I am and treat me just as

you are.

You are merciful...

When you forgive in others the faults you condemn in

yourself.

You are beautiful...

When you don't need a mirror to tell you.

You are rich...

When you never need more than what you have.

You are You...

When you are at peace with who you are not.

This poem was sent to me by a precious lady who blogs @ stringapearl.blogspot.com/.

Thank you Lyndi for your kind words and sweetness.

JOSIE, JOSIE, JOSIE

BRODY, JOSIE, PATCHES

THE FOURTH OF JULY
SPARKLERS AND BEAUTIFUL LIGHTS IN THE SKY

BRODY AND JOSIE AND PAISLEY

PAISLEY LOVES JOSIE TO HUG HER...........

OK WANER, THIS IS A BAD HAIR DAY YA KNOW!


This is my little Josie Grace. She is 5 years old going on 10. She pretty much has all those around her buffaloed and she calls the shots most of the time. She is the only little girl on her mothers side of the family. Grammy, Kim's mom, has absolutely dressed this child since she was born......... She looks like she walked out of a catalog on Sunday mornings at church, but at home and play, she pulls those hair bows out and just lets it all hang loose.

Josie has a way of giving you such a serious look, she can sit and look at you forever it seems with those serious eyes.

I don't have a lot of pictures of Josie because I don't spend as much time with her as I do Brody. They are being home schooled this year so I am in hopes of seeing more of her and Ryley. Josie gives Ryley a really hard time. She wants to be where he is and doing what he is doing. Typical little sister thing I am sure. Paisley, their Westie, has been a really good playmate for Josie and Ryley. I do believe all children need a dog or pet they can play with love. Of course, that means mom and dad have a few more responsibilities, feeding and bathing and walking etc. Josie has a beautiful room. It has blue walls, with a white picket fence around the room, butterflies and white furniture. Her mom and grammy do a wonderful job of decorating their home. Josie's dad is really good about taking care of her when she is sick. Seems like she gets this cough, really bad and cannot sleep sometimes. Jason will take her and sit up in the chair and hold her so she can breath and sleep. She has a daddy and mommy that pray over her and love her deeply. She is indeed a very blessed little girl.

THIS IS THE DAY THE LORD HAS MADE

This is the family ......Whitney, Tori, Brody, Ken and Kenny....

4th of July...........love this girl....................................

Jason and Bunnie...blesses me to see them enjoying each other.......

Family volleyball game.........great fun!

Where is Whitney?

Special kiss for a special mom!

Brave enough to hop on the back of this motorcycle

and follow Ken wherever he goes............

They have a great time on their yearly bike trip....




This is her man! Ken...

Serious thinker this girl is.............

How does this garden grow Uncle Bart? Heading home, had great time............

Love this sweet thing,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, Jeremiah 29:12-13

You will call upon Me and go and pray to Me'

and I will listen to you,

You will seek Me and find Me, when you search

for Me with all your heart.

If I was able to share with those of you that read this how I decide on what I am going to write about you would probably laugh. Some days I will think on the subject for a long time, other times I will sit down and just start typing away. I wanted to write about my Bunni. I could write and write and tell you how special she is and I know that every parent that reads this would agree............you feel the same way about your daughter. I have written some about her and her family in this journal I am keeping. Touching on some of the highlights of the grandchildren and what a good mom she is.

Bunni and Jason have been there for me every time I needed someone. She never left me. There were times when I know she just couldn't handle any more and she would have to hide just to get her bearings again. I cannot begin to share with any of you how she and her precious husband, Ken, opened their home and family up to me after

I got my divorce. Jason and his sweet wife, Kim, have been a great support also. All of them have been so encouraging during this last year in my new life with Wayne and moving to Louisiana.

I lived with Bunnie and her family after I left Texas. I would stay

with my mom and sister in Mississippi for periods of time

but I always went back to Tennessee.

God used Bunni to get me out of a religious box I had been in

all my life. We never get to old that we cannot learn from

our children and I have learned a lot from my kids.

I was very bitter and negative when I moved in with them. How much fun could I have been? Mercy Me.!!!

So in her sweet way most of the time (ha) she would remind

me to try to speak positive. Whether it made things come to

pass quicker or not I am not sure but it certainly was more

pleasant to be around to listen to. No one wants to listen to

someone pick out all the negatives, tear down all the positives

and make sure no one is feeling good or happy.

I saw Bun and her family worshipping in church, truly worshipping, praising the Lord, with a smile on their face one minute

and a tear on their cheek the next. Raising their hands

to our Lord and thanking Him for all He had done for us.

To some of you I know this is not your way of worshipping and

\that is ok. All I can say is I have truly been released from

so many hangups that I had been bound with, most of

which were not even biblical.

They let me be a grandmother, full time which I was so thankful

for. Now that I am in a different season in my life, I thank God and Bun and Ken for sharing their lives with me. I know it was not easy

for them but they handled it very graciously and never

showed disrespect or anger towards me. There would be

times Bun would come to me and we would talk. Most of

the time she was right. I would just sort of shift into .....

a control mode...........you know how us mothers and mother-in-laws

are capable of doing. THROUGH IT ALL they were loving and kind and never shut me out of any family functions ever. I was able to see all the kids ball games and plays and award days at school. They were the same with their father. He never showed much interest in attending the children's' ballgames and activities but to be fair he didn't live close at all. They would never have made him uncomfortable in any way when he did come to a few of the games in the early years of our divorce. The sad thing is the grandchildren don't really remember their grandfather because they don't get to see him hardly ever. Children forget so easily. That is why I am so appreciative of the fact that my children allowed me to be a big part of their lives while they were growing up. I can truly say all my grandchildren know their "Waner". They look upon Wayne as their grandfather and I am so thankful for that. They love it when we go to visit them. They would love for us to move over there and maybe one day we will.

I can't go to all their activities now because we are living in Baton Rouge. Wayne is so good to take me to Tennessee any time I want to go because he knows how much I love them all. Hopefully one day we will be able to attend ALL the grandchildren games and activities on both sides of the family. We both pray for that.

I have been so blessed by 2 children and their mates that have

loved me THROUGH IT ALL and I will always be thankful to God for that. So I try to remember that TODAY is a very special day because God has blessed me with another one.

I pray I will always be thankful for the blessings I have

and share with those who need to be blessed. Most of

the time it is a kind word or deed, a smile or a hug

that can be the biggest blessings.

Blessings to all of you!!!!