You Are Not Forgotten

It's Christmas again. How did that happen? It is true what they say...The days pass slowly but the years fly by. I turned 50 this year and I honestly don't feel like that much time should have already passed. But as I look back at the memories it makes more sense. My life is filled with so many memories, good, bad, and awesome. I choose to focus on the good and awesome ones. When the bad ones try to worm their way into my thoughts I try to push them back as quickly as possible. 

Last night as I was baking bread I started to think about one of my most treasured people, my grandmama, my "mom". When I was newborn I went to live with my grandparents. The details behind that aren't really important, those are some of the bad memories I choose not to think about too hard. The fact that God placed me in their home was one of the greatest gifts that He gave me. He placed me in a Godly home, not perfect, but loving and safe. I was adopted by them when I was in the first grade. They gave me everything I needed and so much more when it came to love and opportunity.

Thanks for being an active example for me. You never stopped doing, not until the end. In your 60's you started wall papering houses. In your 70's you started snow skiing. In your 80's you WON a gold medal in the Senior Olympics in golf EVERY YEAR! You are my hero. 

I miss you now and always! Merry Christmas to you and Grandpapa. See you again someday.

Love, Terri

I've Come To Realize

I've come to realize that my body is...the temple of the Lord. I have not treated it like such in the past couple of years. I lost 26 pounds over two years ago but gained it back over the last two years from not eating what I should have. I had been eating healthy and starting to exercise. But that has fallen by the wayside. I need to get back on track and take care of my body. We are working on becoming cross cultural workers long term and we feel our bodies and health should be in better shape.

I've come to realize that my job is...being the best wife and mom I can be. I don’t have a J O B right now outside the home or inside the home anymore. I am teaching my children daily as we homeschool. I am doing my best to instill in them God’s Word and other things they need to become responsible adults who love the Lord. I am trying to be a huge support system for my darling husband who works so hard each and every day to provide for our family. I fail so often in these things but I keep trying each day to make a better effort.

I've come to realize that I need nothing more in life than...to follow the Jesus way. He is my guide. He shows me the way and promises to carry me through when I am unable to walk through them on my own.
 
I've come to realize that I've lost my mind...when I try to live each day without putting God first and when I try to handle things on my own and in my own way. I know that I can do nothing without Christ who gives me strength for each hurdle I must jump.

I've come to realize I hate...the feeling of depression that washes over me when I let Satan distract me from God’s purpose in my life with the things I can’t control. I seem to always wonder how I am going to get through them. When I have no answer I tend to get depressed because I can’t fix it. But it isn’t my job to fix it. I am to turn it over to Him and leave it there. I am working on that daily.
 
I've come to realize that money is...not supposed to be the number one priority in our lives. If our main goal in life is to make more money to buy more things then we have missed the blessings God intends for us. The world today is so about getting more stuff. Adults have as many “toys” as kids do these days. God has changed the way I think about stuff. We are trying to clear things out and stop accumulating things.
 
I've come to realize that certain people...just don’t get it. They don’t understand how much God loves them. They spend their lives living the lie Satan fills their hearts with. Sad day.

I've come to realize that I'll always remember...going to Burger Chef with my grandpa on Fridays when I was a child, helping my grandmother make sweet pickles, eating peanut brittle with my cousins, riding around the small city of Alice with my sweetheart in his jeep, spending summers at my aunt’s house in her pool, riding around on a golf cart every day with my grandparents, spending hours in the tree in my front yard pretending I was anywhere else in the world my mind could imagine, picking oranges and grapefruit off the trees in our yard, playing Charlies Angels in 5th grade (I was Jill, of course), the day I met John, the day we got married (27 years ago), the day we got married again (2 years ago for our 25th anniversary), the day Sami was born and I held her for the first time, my first miscarriage and the second and the third, the day I found out I was expecting Nick, the day JC wrapped his arms around me for the first time when he saw that I was sad and made my heart melt, the day Jenni was born and Sami was there to share it with us, the day each of my children accepted Jesus as their Lord and were baptized, the lessons that God has taught me through the good times and bad, the wonderful friends I have met along the path of this life, the wonderful friendship I had with my precious grandmother (I will see you again someday!), the daycare families that were a part of MTCKC for those five years, the tiny church I grew up in (West Main Baptist Church Alice, TX), the church we found when we moved to the Metroplex (MRBC, Arlington, TX), the church we are now a member of that has made us just as welcome and we have so many wonderful new brothers and sisters in Christ to add to our other two families of faith (FBC Arlington), the good times and bad that John and I have been through and grown stronger because of, and that Jesus Christ died for me and because of that I live for Him.

I've come to realize that my siblings...are still a part of me even though I didn't grow up with any of them. I missed having them in my life but pray for them daily.
 
I've come to realize my (adopted) mom...was one of the strongest Christian women I will ever meet. She wasn't perfect but she loved the Lord with all of her heart. She passed that along to me and I pray I am doing the same with my children. I love you, Grandmama!

I've come to realize my (adopted) dad...was a strong silent man. He loved greatly even though he didn't do a lot of talking about it. He was brilliant when it came to fixing cars and playing golf. I love you, Grandpa!
 
I've come to realize my cell phone...is GREAT! I love my iPhone for many reasons. I have Kindle on it and can read anywhere. The kids can play games in the backseat while I drive and that makes it easier! I didn't have a cell phone until I was in my 30’s. I see all these kids with phones and think, really?
 
I've come to realize when I woke up this morning...I have another chance to make this day great and live it for the Lord.

I've come to realize last night...was the last night of the summer Bible study on Revelation. I am sad that it is over but enjoyed it greatly! The last two chapters were encouraging and glorious! Praise God!

I've come to realize right now I'm thinking about...my husband at a job interview for hours we really don’t want. It would get in the way of our commitment to mission training. Praying that something else might come from this interview like a job with different hours and great pay.

I've come to realize today...can be great or terrible, depending on how I react to things. I am praying God will help me stay positive and happy as well as get many things done around the house.

I've come to realize tonight...I won’t be going to church like I have the last four nights.

I've come to realize tomorrow...is family night. We will spent time together as a family, possibly go to the homeschool ice cream business meeting and then come home and watch a movie together.
 
I've come to realize I really want to...change my eating and exercise habits so I can be healthy again. I need to get this weight off and keep it off this time.
 
I've come to realize my children...are gifts from God, each and every one of them. And I know that He is in control and will watch over them when I can’t. They belong to Him and He loves them even more than I do. He has wonderful plans for their lives and I can’t wait to see how He works in and through them.

I've come to realize this weekend...we aren't going to be able to find places for the kids to be so we can have alone time. But we will do our best to talk about the things we need to anyway.

I've come to realize the best music to listen to when I'm upset...is praise and worship music. When I am singing to the Lord it fills me with strength and hope.
 
I've come to realize that my friends...are the best! I have met many wonderful friends throughout my almost 45 years and God has placed them in my life at just the right time. I continue to make more friends and that is one of my favorite things to do.

I've come to realize that this year...is half over. We filled the first part with Perspectives, the summer with fun kid’s church activities and this fall will be filled with even more mission training. Time does indeed fly!

  

I've come to realize my husband...is my best friend and the one who was created just to complete me. We were meant to go through this life on earth in ministry alongside each other and when we are the world seems right. He desires to be the godly leader of our home and leads us with a loving heart. He loves the Lord with a mighty love. He desires to reach the lost and I can’t wait to work alongside him long term full time in whatever country God sends us to.

I've come to realize maybe I should...get off my behind and workout each day. That might actually help the weight come off, do ya think?

I've come to realize I really don't understand...why I have to struggle with so many things. I don’t understand why some people have illnesses and mental issues that make their lives harder to live. I don’t understand how some people turn their backs on the God who created them and loves them so much.

I've come to realize my past...is not perfect but it is the past. I have made so many mistakes and continue to mess up. I have to stop beating myself up for everything that I wish I hadn’t done or that I wish I had done a different way. I am forgiven and Christ has covered my wrongs with His blood. It is wrong of me to keep digging up the past. I need to leave it in the past and look forward to the bright future God has for me, here and in Heaven.

I've come to realize parties...are fun! I love being with people and talking to my friends and making new ones.

I've come to realize my life...is a precious gift from God. And that I am to live for Him in all I do. I have been commissioned to reach those who have not heard in places people do not want to go. My love for Him is greater than my love for even my own life. My life is eternally in Heaven with Him.

Until next time...blessings to you. 

25 Years Later....

On April 2, 2008: We did it all over again.....

The boys went up the side isle with Bro. Bobby. Then the girls walked down the center isle together (Jenni was just too shy to do it alone).

When everyone was on the platform they watched John and I come up the isle together. Some of our pictures came out blurry so I don't have any for some things. But we make do with what we have and are grateful for them.

We renewed our vows, Sandy sang "I'll Be Here" and then we exchanged new rings!

I love my new ring!!! I wish I had a picture of his ring, too. It is so pretty!

The Kiss!

Here we are, again!

We choose to have just our four children in our "wedding party" this time. It worked out perfect because we have two girls and two boys! God does things so complete! They all looked so nice in their dressy clothes. We were very proud of them!

The younger kids did so good at standing up there. JC was almost like a statue at times! Jenni had that cute smurky smile a lot! We are very proud parents!

Sami had to get a few pictures with her sweetheart, Tim!

My baby sister, Sherri came all the way from Alabama with her wonderful husband, Raymond. They came early and helped me get so much done. It was wonderful having a few days to spend with them. We went out to eat a few times with the kids and they really enjoyed getting to know their aunt and uncle better! We love them so much!

They make such a sweet couple! She and I spent a LOT of our time finding her that cute dress to wear. She looks so beautiful! I took her and Sami to have manicures and pedicures that afternoon. Then we had someone come to the house and do our hair, including Jenni's. I hope they all felt pampered and loved because that is what I wanted!

Sandy is one of those special people that comes into your life and makes things feel complete. She has been my "mom" for the past 10 years or so. I don't know what we would have done without her in our lives. She and Steve have been the grandparents to our younger children that they never had. She sang "I'll Be Here" during the ceremony. I couldn't have ask for a better person to sing that song for us.

The best man and bridesmaid from our first ceremony 25 years ago came! Suellen and Richard thanks for taking the time to be here for our celebration! You are loved!

Time to cut the cake! They tried to get us to feed each other and shove it in each others faces but I really wasn't into that! We just wanted to cut it and give it out for all to enjoy!

The cakes were fabulous. Kristi Walton made the brides cake and Cathy Huff made the grooms cake! They tasted so good!!! And they were so beautiful! More than we could have asked for!

We had many special people attend our celebration. Tim Musgrave was one of those. These three worked at an apartment complex Bible study ministry through Mission Arlington together on Friday afternoon's for many years.

Jenni's Teacher came. Thanks Ms. Kirkpatrick

Jackson and his family were there, too!

Jenni's bff and her family were there! Hi Kamryn!

Several of my daycare families came. Too cute!

JC had everyone captivated. I am not sure what he was telling them but all eyes were on him! I just thought this one was too funny to pass up.

A friend put together a video that was played during the reception. 

These were the highlights of the ceremony and reception. On my next post I will tell all about our honeymoon that was 25 years in the making! We didn't have one before. Thanks for letting me share this with you! It was a very special night! Thanks to all of you who had a hand in making it that way, there are many!

Until next time...blessings to you.

25 Years Ago......

I married my best friend! On April 2, 1983 John and I got married. He was 21 and I was 17. Yes, that is very odd and odder still that we made it through all the things that couples go through and are still going strong all these years. Here are a couple pics from that time. I will post some from this year and our trip in two seperate posts. Thanks for stopping by.

I grew up with my wonderful grandparents as parents. They gave me everything I ever needed and much of what I wanted.

It is hard to believe 25 years have gone by. Stay tuned for the vow renewal ceremony and then our honeymoon trip! 

Until next time...blessings to you. 

Saturday Sunset In Westcliffe, Colorado

I just wanted to share a beautiful sunset that we saw when we were here last March. This happened to be a Saturday night. It was so beautiful! We are in Westcliffe right now but will head to a camp ground in Leadville tomorrow after church. We went to the little Baptist church when we were here then and it was small but nice.

I am so excited to be on vacation. We didn't get to leave the house until about 11, instead of 9. The toilet backed up, one of the day care kids forgot to flush after using too much paper. Then another child went in and added more to it. So.....that was fun....NOT! But we had to clean it up before we left. I drove until we got to Amarillo at 5 a.m. and then John took over. Bless him! I was so beat! I slept until we got to the border of Colorado and ate breakfast at Denny's. We have been up since then. Everyone is asleep but me. I got in the shower after everyone was asleep. I am beat so I am going to go to bed so I can get up for church tomorrow. I will have work to do on my hair!!! So I need to get up early!

Until next time...blessings to you.

An Almost "Midnight" Trip To Sonic

I was sitting here watching a movie with Jenni. JC had just gotten home from his friends house around the corner. His dad had picked him up before he left for work (He works nights). I got a thought out of the blue. "Wanna go get a chocolate shake?" A resounding "YES!" was heard throughout the house.

Why not? I can run to Sonic for a late night snack at 10 p.m. to spoil myself and my kids ever once in awhile, can't I? Sure I can. Normally, I am too tired at the end of the day to do anything but fall into bed. I don't know why I have a little more energy tonight than normal. It might be because I have been contemplating godly things all day and seeking His will in many things as I have gone through my day. I have drawn strength and wisdom from other godly women on their blogs.

So why did I go to Sonic at 10 at night? Part of it was because I really wanted a chocolate shake. And part of it was because it is summer, my kids don't have to go to school and they can sleep late in the morning if they want to. But not too late. During the summer we go to the free movies on Tuesdays. So we will go see Curious George in the morning and have a good laugh at the movies for free. I am trying to do lots of fun things with the kids during the summer so that we can build some fun memories of their childhood summers. I am big on memories! I sure wish I could find more time so I could scrapbook. I really love to capture my memories that way. Someday....

Night!

Until next time...blessings to you. 

Memories Monday - # 2 - Fathers - Part 1

When I think of "fathers" not just one person comes to my mind or one quality. I didn't grow up in a traditional home, per say, so that is off a bit. I never think about my birth father because he never had a part in my life. I think of my grandfather/adopted dad, my husband and my Heavenly Abba Father.

I was adopted by my maternal grandparents so my grandpa became my father in every other sense of the word "father". He was a quiet man who loved to work on cars, play golf, go deer hunting, play Domino's (Moon and/or 42) and watch "Gunsmoke" on TV while he napped in the chair. My grandmother sang in the church choir so on Sunday mornings before I turned into a teenager and sat with my friends because I was "too cool to sit with a parent" you would find me right next to my grandfather on the fourth pew from the front. On Friday mornings my grandmother would play a round of golf with her friends and he would take me to Burger Chef for a fish sandwich before heading to the golf course for his turn to play with his golfing buddies. When I was really little, about 5 or 6, I can remember his cleaning a deer in the garage. It was a dirt floor garage; we lived out near the fair grounds. I used to watch him and have long talks with him while he was working in there. I don't really remember about what but I can remember enjoying just hanging out where ever he was. He was the one that walked me down the isle when I got married. That was over 24 years ago and he went to be with the Lord in 1992, 8 1/2 months before my son Nick was born. He was a great father and a great man with many talents. He did not get the chance to know any of my children because he had a stroke when my oldest child was very little. I miss him very much and wish he could have known them. I know that he would have enjoyed my boys and my girls would have had him wrapped around their little fingers. June 19 was his birthday! Happy Birthday, Grandpa!

Parts two and three to come.

Until next time...blessings to you.

Memories Monday #2 My Grandmama

When I think about memories one person comes to mind more than others, my grandmother, Iona Offield. She wasn't just my grandmother, she was my MOM. I was three days old when I went to live with my grandparents. They officially adopted me when I was in the first grade. I got to grow up with all of my cousins and other family members still a part of my life, except for my birth parents and two siblings from those parents (who were adopted out to two other families when they were 3 and 2. I was the oldest.). But I know God had a hand in where I grew up and who I grew up with. I have known many godly women over the years and some of them are so dear to my heart. But the person that has had the most impact on my eternal well being is my grandmother. I affectionately called her "Grandmama". I did try to call her mom for a while after they adopted me but one of my aunts couldn't deal with that. Imagine a grown women getting upset at a 7 year old for calling her mom "mom". That stopped that pretty fast. I figured it must be wrong if Aunt Reta was angry at me for it. I didn't realize at the time that she had other things that made her act that way.

I watched my grandmother serve on many committees at church and in the community. She was in WMU at church and she did outreach within our church to members in our little town. She worked with the American Cancer Society. I know she did many more things but what I remember more than anything that she had her Bible at her bedside table and would read it every night. I saw her reading God's Word and heard her praying daily. No, she wasn't perfect, but she was a work in progress and I could tell she was doing what she could to let God do that work in her.

She didn't have the easiest life one can live. But she left a legacy for all who knew her. And many knew her and most that did loved her dearly. She had 4 daughters (one died shortly after birth). They gave her 13 grandchildren. There are 45 great-grandchildren. After she went home to be with the Lord there were 2 great-great-grandchildren born.

Until next time...blessings to you. 

Memories Monday #1 Westcliffe, Colorado

I realize that my memories for Westcliffe don't date back to far. We just discovered it last September! (The picture is from September 2006.) But I know in my heart that God led us to that sweet little town under the mountains. As we drove from Colorado Springs to Westcliffe we didn't know what we would find. Neither John nor I had ever even heard of it, let alone been there. The drive from CS to Westcliffe takes about an hour and a half. As we drove we talked about what we were looking for and what we hoped to find. We were meeting a guy that was to show us some land. We got closer to Westcliffe and the views began to change from the Pikes Peak mountains to the Sangre De Cristo Mountains (The Blood of Christ), which are just as beautiful in their own right. I think in some ways they are even more beautiful. As we set out to look at the three properties that Bob had for us to look at we prayed for guidance and His wisdom for the property that was for us. The first two we knew were not what we wanted. When we saw the third one we just knew it was the one. We took pictures of it so we could look at them and pray about it and decide if we were supposed to put an offer on it. Only through the grace of God did we get the bid and then were able to get the financing to pay for it. I know that God will provide the money to pay it off and build a house on it someday.

We can't seem to stay away. We returned to Colorado for Thanksgiving. We found a small layer of snow on the land. We also got to go sledding in northern Colorado. The kids love Colorado as much as we do and are excited to get to move there. I don't know when the Lord will do that but we are waiting to see. We also spent a whole week in Westcliffe on Spring Break this year and found even more snow on the land. We even found a frozen lake. I took a wonderful picture of the sunset. It is like fire in the sky. Our next trip is the week of July 4th. We are so excited to be going back. We will spend some time in Westcliffe and then the other half in an area north of that. I will be glad to have that memory for the kids for 2007's July 4th.

Memories, what are my favorite ones? The memories that I make with my husband and children doing things that we enjoy. We enjoy going to Colorado and seeing new things each time. We love to explore the wonders that God created. I can't wait to see some new and wonderful creations while we are there next month.