The Great Honey Hunt!

 

So I entered a photo and Pinterest contest!  I had so much fun!  Plenty of new recipies found as well as created in my kitchen!  Here are some of my photos!

Empathy-Gift or Curse?

Webster's Dictionary defines empathy-the action of understanding, being aware of, being sensitive to, and vicariously experiencing the feelings, thoughts, and experience of another of either the past or present without having the feelings, thoughts, and experience fully communicated in an objectively explicit manner.  I am a case of someone who can empathize with others.  I remember as a young girl realizing I was different.  I was off at camp and a girl whom I had never met was bunking in our cabin.  I remember her sharing with us that her parents were getting a divorce.  I sat on the floor of and cried with her.  Someone I didn't even know.  I took on her burden and sadness.  I can look back over my life and see how I have empathized with so many.  Is it easy? NO not at all.  Sometimes I have wondered is it a gift from God or a curse when I take on the agony, saddness, grief and distress of others.  My heart breaks right along with them.  I know several right now who are fighting for their marriages and some who are taking on a new direction and learning to surrvive without their former spouse.  Just last week I mourned and cried and became physically ill while pouring out prayers daily for these precious families.  I ached and became physically exhausted and drained.  God restored me and gave me strength.  I don't have the answers or any control over the outcomes.  However I know that God puts me right where I need to be when I need to be there.  Whether it is comforting a fellow bunk mate as a fifth grader at camp, or crying together with friends as an adult.  As I empathize with so many I am drawn to think of how Christ took on the entire world's burdens and sins.  I am thankful He only sends me a handful of burdens at a time!  I am grateful He never gives me more than I can handle.  He tells us in His word "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." Galatians 6:2  So what is the "law of Christ?  In John 13:34 it states: "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another."   It is my job, I have been commanded to love others.  Not just when they are happy but when they are sad, angry, and distressed as well.  Imagine if you will the task of cutting down a very large tree.  Once you get the tree cut you must haul the debree away.  This is a task you are not meant to do alone.  It would go much smoother when you allow someone to help "carry the load."  I say all of this to say that I feel empathy is a gift.  It is challenging and it keeps me grounded.  I have a new appreciation for my life and the blessings that surround me.  Know this though, we all have been commanded to do so.  Imagine if everyone took on at least one burden of another and helped "carry the load" how different the world would be.  If we took the time to listen to those around us who are hurting and about to break.  I know that as I have and continue to empathize with others in the hard times God has blessed me with rejoicing with them in the good times too.  I believe we can empathize happiness and joy as well as saddness and grief.  We must be careful though and not let our human nature interfere.  We must stay grounded in God and His word to do as He has commanded. Matthew 11:28 says, " "Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest."  He is the only way and has promised to give us rest. So go forth and empathize dear one!  Share the burden of another and comfort them on their journey and lead them to His answers!

Additional Scriptures
Ecclesiastes 3:10
Ecclesiastes 1:14-18

Power of Prayer

"The prayer of righteous man is powerful and effective." James 5:16

So often people tell you "I will pray for you" or "all I can do is pray."  Many times I think we forget the value in prayer.  I know God hears our prayers and answers them.  He may not always answer them the way we preferred, however they are all answered.  I can look within my own "box" if you will and see the power of prayer.  I have seen Him heal my son from cancer.  I have seen him protect, provide, and fufill things that I never thought possible.  I have seen what happens when people have prayed for my family and the blessings that have come from it.  What a joy and treasure to know that people are truly praying on your behalf. 
     The last few weeks I have had the opportunity to review my own prayer life.  Over the past several years I have witnessed outside of my "box" the power of my prayers for others.  Several years ago our friend Doug was off at war.  We received a phone call that he was hurt and being flown back to the states.  We immediately began praying for Doug, his wife Sherry, and their family.  We weren't sure of the severity of what had happened we just prayed.  Doug need support and healing.  I will never forget the day that Doug and Sherry flew home to Savannah.  It was priceless.  To physically be able to hug them both after praying so hard for them was such a gift from God.  This was the first time I remember in my life praying so hard for something and watching it come to fruition.
      I have been blessed to pray for Brandi and Trent who wanted to adopt their son from China.  Brandi and I met and prayed dillegently for our children and the baby she wanted to adopt.  It was awesome to be a part in it all, to watch as it all unfolded!  Papers were processed, home inspections, fingerprints and the list goes on!  Now he is home with his forever family!  Everytime I see him, I fight back tears as we prayed so long and hard for him!  What a precious gift he is to his family!  We continue to pray as now they are in the process of adopting another son!  
     Another friend Kelly and her husband Kevin recently adopted Matthew their son from Latvia.  Again we prayed that doors would be opened and opportunities would happen.  The Lord knew our hearts, he heard our cries and He answered!  What a treasure it was to watch him celebrate his 13th birthday at his first ever birthday party!  Sheer joy and excitement covered every attendee's face watching him and his happiness! 
All of this being said never underestimate the power of your prayers!  Know that in ALL things God works together for the good of those who are called according to HIS purpose!   Romans 8:28  It easy to become so overwhelmed with everyone's prayer requests that we feel we cannot adequately pray for them all!  However I believe God lays certain people on your heart for a reason and that you are to stop and pray for them.  My friend Kelly for instance loves ladybugs everytime I see a ladybug I thank God for Kelly and say a prayer for her.  My friend Katie her daugher's middle name is Hope so when I see Hope I pray for Katie.  I pray for Cheryl everytime I hear the song "Redeemer" because I can still remember her singing that solo!  Prayers go up for Krista when I see "Be still and know. . ."  These are not the only times I pray for these individuals however I think these are just special reminders God has given me to lift them up at those moments.  It may be awhile before I talk with them again however I pray and feel a connection.  I know that God has the situation whatever it may be.  I am just being obedient on my part and praying for them!

Additional Bible Verses on Prayer
1 John 5:14-15
Philippians 4:6-7
Ephesians 6:18
Romans 8:26
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
James 4:3

Another Day Another Gift

Over the last year and a half I have been taught so much.  I have a new understanding of hospitals, nurses, doctors, cancer,brain tumor, chemo, radiation and the list goes on.  Having a child who is diagnosed with a brain tumor and then to find out it is cancer will most definitely grab your world shake it vigorously and throw it in a hundered different directions.  One could easily sit back and question WHY?  However then again what good would that do?  At the age of seven I asked Jesus into my heart.  I asked Him to be my Lord and Savior and guide me on this journey of life.  I never knew just what an adventure it would be!  As I look back over the last couple of years I have seen how my walk with the Lord has grown.  I was uprooted from my "normal" life.  You know the one where I had four kids, took two to school and the others to the grocery store every Monday.  I cooked, I cleaned, I went to Bible Study every Tuesday, church on Wednesday and the list goes on.  This was my "normal!"  Suddenly we were told our five year old had a brain tumor.  Long story short he had surgery in TN to remove it only to discover ten days later he had cancer.  Wow talk about walking, better yet running into a brick wall.  I will never forget the day I was told he had a tumor.  I will never forget the day I was told he had cancer.  The feeling in the pit of my stomach was undescribable.  However as life shattering as all of this was I was given a heavenly peace.  I know it was as if the Lord scooped me up in His arms and promised to never ever let me go.  And guess what to this day He has not nor will He!  After our son's diagnosis the four kids and I moved temporarily to TN where he received his treatments.  We spent four months there.  We were put in a place where in the begining knew no one.  However God provided on so many levels.  God provided an amazing home for us to stay in called Habitat for Hope (http://www.habitatforhope.org/ )  God not only provided shelter but friends who are now "forever family" as I like to call them!  God provided food, babysitters, family, He even provided a radio station.  You may laugh but God is in the details!  Every last one!  There were so many things I missed about home.  Many sacrifices were made by us and on our behalf.  I can honestly say that at no point did I ever feel alone.  I missed home with all that was in me but I had a peace in knowing, I was where I was suppose to be at that very moment.  God continued to reassure me of that often.  I will be forever grateful to my TN "family" and all they provided.  I know many back home who felt helpless and said all they could do was pray.  Well friends I am here to tell you prayer is crucial!  All those prayers were working!  The prayers kept us safe, blessed us and helped provide that unexplainable strength.  I still get asked "how do you do it?  Four kids really, are they all yours and how do you do it?  How do you go on, how did you handle three kids and a fourth with cancer?"   My answer was and still is God. I know some of you reading this may think I am clueless and there is no God.  Well I am here to tell you different.  I am here to inform you there is and He is real!  Oh how I wish you would come to know Him and enjoy the blessings in this life and eternity.  God is who got me out of bed on the really hard days.  God is who held me when there was no one to hold me.  He is the one who wouldn't let me pull the covers over my head, lock my bedroom door and never come out again.  He is the one who was and always has been there no matter the time or place.  He has never let me down or let me go.  He continues to make Himself known in my day to day life.  I make no apologies He is real and He is everything to me.  He created me and He can take me away.  He is the one who spoke the breath of life into every living creature on this planet.  Yes our days are numbered.  So what are you doing with your life?  Today and everyday I want to live for God.  I want to strive to do His work that He has called me to do.  I have seen what He has done in my life, my children and our home.  Am I perfect or sinless NO by no means.  I am thankful for life and the wild ride it has been.  I look forward to each new day as it is another chance to enjoy the gifts God has given me.  Cancer has taught me to enjoy the precious moments in life a little more.  I savor the hugs, kisses, and talks with my family and friends.  I watch a sunset in even more awe and fascination than before.  I love my church and worshiping even more.  So "normal" well that is a thing of the past.  I don't ever want to be "normal" again.  I don't want to take life and the gifts I have for granted because I know at any moment they can all be taken from me.  Every so often God surprises me with little reminders He is still there and hasn't forgotten me.  I love to call them God Kisses.  Little kisses from God to remind me I am His child and He will never let go.  I am so thankful for another hug, another kiss, another day, another gift!

The Things we take for Granted

This week has been busy as always with our bunch! Carlton arrived late Wednesday night. We picked him up at the airport and I know he got the best greeting of anybody! Three little boys ran and jumped into his arms and not too far behind was me and Callie Rose! Trevor began his fourth and final round of chemo on Thursday. Friday he vomited several times before chemo. They decided because of this to send us home with 24hrs. of fluids instead of six like normal. Once he had his zofrin and benadryl he got chemo on Friday. He did not get sick anymore. Two wonderful Habitat for Hope couples watched over our kids Friday night so Carlton and I could go on a date! We went to a nice dinner and walked around Target and Walmart!(Gee we must be getting old!) Honestly though we could have just sat in the grass alone and I would have been happy. We had a great time enjoying each others company, talking of the times gone by. Saturday Trev had his final round of chemo. What an exciting day! At some point in the near future they will present him with a balloon, and shirt that say "No Mo Chemo!" and throw confetti on him. I am taking my camera everyday hoping to capture the celebration! Today he had labs and a check up in the medicine room. Tommorrow he gets his G shot and we will meet with Dr. Merchant in radiation. Hopefully we will get some idea of when we can start radiation. This weekend a lot of stuff has hit me. I am really missing home. This was the first time since we have been here that it was just Carlton and I with the kids. We were a familly of six just hanging out and loving on each other. We were able to stay up late and watch movies, snuggle on the couch and have some quality time together. Over the last six months I realize just how many things I took for granted. This weekend we were able to just "chill" even though there was chemo. I realized that in the past I have taken for granted, healthy children, seeing my children take their first steps, listening to my husband's heartbeat, hearing him breathe, quiet, being together as a family and the list goes on. These have been everyday occurences in the past however now I take them and treasure them. I am thankful for the small moments we have together. I treasure every kiss and hug I receive from my husband and children. None of us know when it will be our last breath. Tragedies come into our lives and though they are hard we learn and grow from them. This weekend was precious time with Carlton and I can't wait till he comes back to see us again whenever it may be! I savored every hug, kiss, and heartbeat. Just awhile ago my four children and I said our goodbyes to Carlton standing in the Memphis airport. This goodbye was the hardest yet. As tears poured down McKenzie and Kenneth's face as they held on to their Daddy for dear life! They didn't want to see him go. Trev hugged him and said goodbye. Callie took to him and melted him by just laying her head down on her Daddy's shoulder. The tears of course were overflowing by this time on my face. I didn't want to say goodbye and neither did he. We couldn't get enough hugs and kisses. Today stunk because of a goodbye. It was incredibly hard to get in the van and drive away. Afterall our family was missing Daddy. I am so thankful for the time we had but I miss him already. Kenneth said "all we need is Daddy." I struggled to see through the tears to drive home. My heart aches today. I know this is a "season" in our lives and one day it will end. However for now I am begging God for extra strength. I have to be strong for my children. It was such a blessing to make sweet precious memories with Carlton and look forward to his return. He is such a blessing and a gift from God. Please pray for him and his strength as he continues to work and provide for our family at home. Thank you for your continued prayers. I challenge each of you to value those around you and cherish them a little more today than yesterday!


Love,

Christy
 
 

GPS

Do you know what GPS stands for?  Global Positioning System.  Well I had a great big encounter with my GPS the other night.  I had gone across TN about 45mins. to get a haircut.  My mom gave me some money and told me to go get a manicure and pedicure too for an early birthday present.  I was super excited to take a break from the "chaos" of life even though at first I hesitated even going.  I got my nails and toes done then ventured looking for a haircut place.  Well they were all closing and then I saw the mall was still open.  I thought surely I could find a place there.  First place I went they were not doing any more haircuts that day.  They sent me to another place upstairs.  I got up there and the man said no then a voice from the back yelled "come back in fifteen minutes.  I was so relieved as I didn't know when I would get the chance to get a haircut again!  I returned and met this wonderful woman who was ready to cut my hair.  I explained to her I felt like some of my hair was coming out well a lot to be exact what could be the cause?  She then asked if I had been under any stress lately.  I burst into laughter.  I couldn't help it.  It was either that or tears and laughter is what happened to be what came out that night!  I explained I was the mother to four children, we were eleven hours from home, my six year old son has cancer, it had been a month since I had seen my husband, did I need to go on?  She proceeded to tell me that she was a recovering drug addict.  She had been clean for two years.  We talked awhile and I told her how much I appreciated her willingness to cut my hair.  She said a saying that I say often, God works in mysterious ways."  She also said it was a divine appointment something had just told her to cut my hair.  I got her card and told her if I got the chance for another haircut I would definitely come back to her!  Was it by chance I had been "re-routed" to four different hair salons?  Not at all.  What I forgot to mention was there was a really bad storm moving in right as I was walking into the mall.(1hour before closing)  I was hoping to avoid the storm completely.   I left the mall after 9PM and headed for home.  When I got in the car there was still a lot of cloud coverage and lightening.  My GPS had another idea other than going home.  I was going along following its' directions when all of the sudden it lost its signal.  I was traveling down a very dark road.  A road without lights, a road with exits that didn't look promising.  Then suddendly the exits stopped and the road ended.  I was completely lost.  I was quoting Phillipians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.  I was saying every verse that came to mind.  I then decide to call Carlton and get him to get on Google maps and see if he could talk me back to the house where we are staying.  Just having his voice on the phone was a sense of comfort.  I went into sheer panic when two big dogs started chasing the car.  I screamed so loud and burst into tears.  I don't watch horror movies but imagined that it would be just like this!  Poor Carlton didn't know what had happened to me.  I have never been and felt so lost in my life.  I continued down numerous dark and scary roads till at last I came to a familar road.  I breathed a sigh for a few minutes.  I got about ten minutes from the house and two more dogs ran out in front of me.  I laid on the horn and then not but about a block later there was a mailbox on fire. Then my cell phone died.  Ok so by this time it was about 11PM and I arrived at the house ran right passed my mother who was waiting on the porch(holding Callie Rose), to go call 911 and report the mailbox on fire.  I hung up the phone and fell to pieces.  I was shaking and crying hysterically.  Carlton was calling the house to make sure I had arrived.  He talked with me up until my cell phone died.  Needless to say what had been a relaxing evening turned chaotic very quickly.  I am so thankful that I don't put all of my faith and hope in an object.  My lesson in all of this was faith, trust, and a whole lot of praying.  Faith is believing in what you can't see.  Well I couldn't see my way home on the GPS, much less the road in front of me.  I was trusting God to get me out of this situation and help me find my way home.  All the while praying for the faith to trust God and not panic.  Thanking God for giving me a husband who was home and could look at a map and talk me back to safety.  So just remember not to rely only on the things right in front of and around you because often they can fail you. 

Feelings and Emotions

Life is not always a bowl of cherries yes it throws you lemonade and you are suppose to make lemonade.  I get it!  However sometimes everybody falls apart.  Sometimes we don't want to deal with the world outside of our home or inside of it for that matter.  Today I have a mixture of emotions I am feeling.  Emotions are a good thing don't get me wrong.  Happiness well everybody needs more!  Sadness well nobody ever wants to experience it but we do.  Crying however can be good if we keep it all inside we will eventually burst.  Our world is so full of hurt, sadness, pain, and sorrow.  Anger is yet another emotion.  I am not an angry woman however occasionally it does happen.  Anger at those who don't step up to the plate and do what they should.  How can a mother abandon her child?  How can a woman just walk away from a six month old baby lying in a hospital bed?  It angers me to think that someone can just walk away from a child who is so needy.  What gives them the right to put themselves and their needs before others?  I have experienced this as my adopted son was left at a hospital when he was six months old.  His biological mother spent a total of ten minutes over a period of several days with him.  A woman who had twenty two months to get her life in order with a simple to do list.  Did she do it? NO!  Things like get a job, stay drug free, housing.  The court took her rights from her.  I will never forget the judge's words that day as we stood in court and he said that taking a parent's rights was the harshest thing a court could do to a parent.  Did she get?  Does she get it now?  NO!  I saw additional children while we were in Memphis that were five and six month olds left in ICU never loved on or held by a parent.  Even on the Neuro floor there was an older child left alone.  When I have been in the hospital with a child I don't even like going to the restroom and leaving them alone.  I can't imagine the thought of leaving them for minutes, hours, days, or forever.  Sometimes I laugh and say God blessed me with some extra maternal instincts because of the one around me who didn't have any!  So today presents anger.  One day these "mothers" in name only will answer for their abandonment.  My heart breaks in the meantime.  I know for a fact our son is better off with us than her however I hope and pray the same for the other children.  I cannot understand I just know God called me to be a Mommy.  A Mommy to my biological children and a Mommy to my adopted son.  Its my job to pick up the pieces and make the best of it.  So those of you that have babies ya better give them extra loving and teach them to be responsible parents when they grow up.  Those of you who don't pray and consider adopting one of these precious abandoned children.  Everyone needs to feel love.  Everyone deserves a chance at life.  As my momma use to say "God didn't make no junk!"  So it's not grammatically correct however it's the truth!  God didn't create junk He made everyone in His image.  People are the ones who chose their paths.  So for today I am going to go love on my babies and enjoy the gift of Motherhood!