Last of the Old Blogs

~Well, if you are reading my blog, you are not as behind as you may think...I posted in the previous blog that I was adding some blogs I had on another site, so that they could be included in my published book. I decided to do the rest today..so, if you feel like reading, enjoy and note the dates at the top of each blog. If you enjoy the more present stuff...I will be back at it tomorrow! Hope you all had a great Monday!



Monday, June 23, 2008

2 Reasons We Are Here..To Accept Christ..and To Tell Others of His Love!
Category: Life
I have definitely had a great weekend/visit with my parents. I always love to see the joy and excitement on Brylee's face when she visits with them. Her Poppa will do anything she wants to at anytime..there is no telling her no..she is spoiled rotten when he is around. We didn't do a whole lot today..church..lunch...nap...play...Mellow Mushroom...Walmart! But, it was a pleasant day and we enjoyed eachothers company. Bro. Billy was not at church today b/c Will (his son) was home from Iraq. So we had a guest preacher who was the interim before Billy. I will have to admit at first I was a little skeptical and thought he would be long winded and not...well...not what I thought I needed today..(Does that make sense)...anyway..he was an older man with white hair and moved kinda slow up the steps. He opened the Bible..and we stood for the reading of God's Word..open your Bibles to Revelation..and then I really thought..uh oh..we will be here for a while and it will be one of those hellfire and brimstone messages (which there is absolutely nothing wrong with that!!!! Just not what I "thought" I needed for today..and I thought I will have to keep looking at my cohorts..Kenny, Dad, and Mom and make sure they stay awake! HA..well, of course..God showed up and put me in my place..This man was an awesome man of God and preached the truth..and IT HIT HARD!!! In Revelation, he mentioned the realness of Hell and the fact that it is there, and will be there for all who do not accept Jesus as Lord...He went on to talk about us as the CHURCH..and that the Church is not bricks and mortar..and a building..but that WE are the CHURCH..and WE are the CHURCH Wherever we go, whatever we do and whomever we are with. We are the CHURCH and the Only Church that some people may ever see..to think of the many people we come into contact with, work with, hang out with and even go to church with. Our lives are a living testimony of the love that Jesus Christ has done in our lives. We, as the Church, hold the Keys to the kingdom and are sometimes afraid to use it! We make up all kinds of excuses for not witnessing or living our lives for Christ. He made the comment...we are here for two reasons..to give our lifes to Christ..and to tell the world about HIM...we have missionaries all over, but sometimes the biggest need is right here in our homes and in our communities...Standing up for Christ and telling others should be the easiest thing for us to do, but why does it seem so hard sometimes? We, AS Christians, have been commissioned by our Lord to GO and TELL the world! In Matthew 28, He not only tells us that, but He also tells us that He will be with us always! So why do we tighten up and try not to hurt anyones feelings or keep our salvation and the Many things Christ does for us everyday to ourselves? Especially when HE is with us!
I pray that ALL of my friends and family know Christ..and if you don't, I would love to tell you about Him and what He can do in your life..b/c I know what He has done in mine! He shows up everyday..and I do not give Him enough credit! When everything that is good is of Him! I hope and pray that I will always show His love to EVERYONE where I go..He loves us ALL..and He has forgiven us ALL..how can we not love ALL and Forgive ALL?????
I don't know how you are feeling today, I just felt convicted when I heard this message..b/c God has been TOO good to me and my family for me to be quiet..I hope and pray that my ramblings are of some sort of encouragement to you as they are to me...It feels good to type it out and make myself more aware of my shortcomings! B/c there are many! Have a great Monday!!!
p.s. Funny for Brylee: We get in the car to go to school...she wants her Bible..I tell her we are going to school not church..church closed mommy? Yep..We will go later..K Mommy! I love this precious child..You know we are still potty training..things are looking better...but she def. wanted to get a "star" for pee-peeing in the potty...so she sits on the potty...looks down..and after many attempts of pushing..she yells "GO...GO"..I had to run out of the bathroom to keep from her seeing me laugh! And of course..she just didn't have to go!

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

"A Person’s a person, now matter how small"
Current mood: impressed
Category: Life
I got this from a friend’s blog...and had read it to begin with, but hadn’t seen the movie. Wow is all I can say after reading this and watching the movie...take a look for yourself and think about the neat way God can communicate and the things he uses...have a blessed day!


God is communicating His big dream of ending abortion in a most profound way through the dream stream story of Horton Hears a Who by Dr. Seuss..

Buy the book! Take everyone to the movie! Spread it around!
Support crisis pregnancy centers!

Parents... take time to read this to your children

In February 2005, a 15-year-old girl, had a dream. In the dream she saw a large, beautiful building with the words "The Who" appearing over it. She and her sisters entered the house and began to look throughout the building until they found the attic where there was a series of old books from the past that they knew would be needed for the future. She shared her dream. The dream was from God, but "What is ’The Who,’ and what are these old books?"
In this children’s book written in 1954, we find an elephant whose name is Horton- He is the purple elephant with big ears and a large trumpet. He can hear what no one else can hear--the sound of these little people called, The Whos, who live in the microscopic town of Who-ville.
In the book, we also find a kangaroo who wants to kill all the little Whos, because he cannot see or hear them. He doesn’t believe they exist. "The kangaroo is the kangaroo court!"--it stands for the Supreme Court who issued the death decree of ’73 in Roe v Wade, and legalized abortion. This is a parable from the past that was now going to be used, for the ending of abortion. The theme of the whole book amazingly is, "A person’s a person, no matter how small!" And the remedy for the crisis is that every voice must be raised loudly and urgently to rescue all the little unborn Whos. With the kangaroo’s death decree hanging over Who-ville, Horton implores the mayor "to CALL a big meeting, get everyone out, make every Who holler, make every Who shout!"

Quoted from Dr. Seuss’ book Horton Hears a Who:
And Horton called back, "I can hear you just fine.
But the Kangaroo’s ears aren’t as strong, quite, as mine.
They don’t hear a thing!
Are you sure all your boys
Are doing their best?
Are they ALL making noise?
Are you sure every Who down in Who-ville is working?
Quick! Look through your town! Is there anyone shirking?"
Through the town rushed the Mayor,
from the east to the west.
But everyone seemed to be doing his best.
Everyone seemed to be yapping or yipping!
Everyone seemed to be beeping or bipping!
But it wasn’t enough, all this ruckus and roar!
He HAD to find someone to help him make more.
He raced through each building! He searched floor-to-floor!
And, just as he felt he was getting nowhere,
And almost about to give up in despair,
He suddenly burst through a door and that MayorDiscovered one shirker!
Quite hidden away In the Fairfax Apartments
(Apartment 12-J)(12 = government; J = Justice)
A very small, very small shirker named Jo-Jo
Was standing, just standing, and bouncing a Yo-Yo!
Not making a sound! Not a yipp! Not a chirp!
And the Mayor rushed inside and grabbed the young twerp!And he climbed with the lad up the Eiffelberg Tower.
"This," cried the Mayor, "is your town’s darkest hour!
The time for all Whos who have blood that is red
(A connection with the Blood)
To come to the aid of their Country!" he said.
"We’ve GOT to make noise in greater amounts!
So, open your mouth, lad! For every voice counts!"Thus he spoke as he climbed.
When they got to the top,
The lad cleared his throat and he shouted out, "YOPP!"
(Young Ones Praying and Prophesying)
And their whole world was saved by the Smallest of All!"
And that Yopp...That one small, extra Yopp put it over!
Finally, at last! From that speck on that clover
Their voices were heard!
They rang out clear and clean
And the elephant smiled. "Do you see what I mean?...
They’ve proved they ARE persons, no matter how small.
"How true! Yes, how true," said the big kangaroo.
"And, from now on, you know what I’m planning to do?...
From now on, I’m going to protect them with you!"
And the young kangaroo in her pouch said,..."...ME TOO!
From sun in the summer.
From rain when it’s fall-ish,
I’m going to protect them. No matter how small-ish!"

A woman received three confirmations the following day at her Day Care Center. One child came in with a Horton Hears a Who backpack, a second was carrying a Who-ville doll, but the third--a ten-year-old boy--came to her and said, "Ma’am, I had a dream last night. I dreamt of Horton Hears a Who, and all the little Whos were not saying YOPP; they were crying STOP!!!"

There is a massive cry being raised up from the young ones of the earth, praying and prophesying, "STOP ABORTION, STOP! STOP! STOP!!!!!!!!!!" What are the chances of this divine confirmation? Those who read this are now held accountable.
Soon after, another man said, "My ten-year-old daughter was reading Horton Hears a Who to her little brother." She came to her father and said, "Dad, I think this book is about ending abortion." That afternoon, he read The Elijah List article on Horton Hears a Who.
Again, amazingly,Fox Movies is doing a major motion picture in 2008, called, Horton Hears a Who, starring Jim Carrey--on the 40th year anniversary of the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. and the year of our critical 2008 election that must bring forth a true Pro-Life president. The Lord is shouting to the nation! Will we have ears to hear?
A great convergence is upon us. If the Church understands the times and what God is seeking to bring forth, we can shout to the nation, before the movie comes out, that Horton Hears a Who is about the ending of abortion--so when millions of people watch the movie, they will all be thinking, "A person’s a person, no matter how small--The Whos are the unborn!"
God! He takes a book out of the archives of history that millions have read since 1954, pulls it out, and slams it into the present through a movie. The light penetrates the lie.
Buy the book!Take everyone to the movie! Spread it around!
"It is time for all the Whos who have blood that is red to come to the aid of their country," Suddenly, Dr. Suess kicks out of Who-ville and into national prophecy, not even knowing it.

The YOPPS Must Be HeardThe voices of Jo-Jos just bouncing their yo-yos must now be heard. The Jo-Jos are Christians who are enjoying their comfortable careers, but are oblivious to the crisis. They are the youth in our Church youth groups who play with their iPods and who browse in their Windows. While living for entertainment, they have no idea that they were meant to be a part of God’s great movement to end abortion! Their voices must be heard now!!! Let Myspace and You Tube become their Eieffelberg towers from which they shout out their YOPPS and their STOPS.

"How true, yes, how true," said the big kangaroo, "
and from now on you know what I am planning to do?
From now on I am going to protect them with you!"
Protect all the unborn little Whos, that God’s big dream will come true, and that all the Whos’ dreams could come true too. Whether you are big or small... grin.

It is profound that in the dream, the young lady saw not just one book, but a series of old books needed for the future. Read Horton Hatches an Egg. It is about a bird who wants to go play, rather than sit on her egg.So Horton, the elephant again, sits on the egg until the egg hatches. When the egg hatches, out comes, not a little baby bird, but an elephant with wings.The moral of the story is this: he who cares for the unwanted child--that child will take on the nature of the one who cared for it.
adoption!

God is shouting though Horton Hatches an Egg, "Who will care for the babies?"Let the prophetic Church arise and carry the heart of Heaven! Let them hear The Call for united fasting and prayer on behalf of those who have no voice! Let the prophetic Church hear what the world can’t hear, and may they blow the trumpet once again, declaring, "God has a dream, and we have His dream, and millions will be mobilized to become the river of justice rolling down again...."

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Things on my mind...
Current mood: disappointed
Category: Life
Well, I haven't blogged in a while, and today I had a lot on my mind and figured I would type it out as a form of expression..since I have cried, told everyone I see, ..and nothing has eased it yet..so I guess I will try this outlet...I do know that everything happens for a reason and that no one comes in or out of our lives without some sort of purpose...what I don't understand is why we don't have them long enough to impact them, or do we and we just don't see the results, b/c they don't hang around long enough..Since December 4, we have received 43 new students at our school. That is a huge number for any school, but especially for Holly Hill. Alot of my kids that I get to see have rough home lifes or don't come from the best circumstances...but some of the circumstances can and should be prevented..just don't know who is the correct person to implement these decisions...obviously it is not me, or it would all be handled and we would be in a perfect world, with perfect parents, enviroments and lots of love...but that is not the case..and we just except these babies as our own and love them for the short amount of time we get them...We recieved a student this year who had numerous absents, and had already moved 3 times this year...and was on the verge of failing. She is an absolute precious child and is the one a few of us wanted to take home! One teacher said she would seriously consider it if it was possible. Well, she left recently again, b/c of some uncontrollable circumstance within her family.We spent the majority of the morning crying as we didn't know what to do witht he situation.... I won't and can't go into a lot of details on here..as I am sure you are aware due to privacy issues, but I have to admit, this child has left two of us wondering, pondering and praying to God about why she was allowed in our life and then jerked up to be moved again..when she was begging to stay with us and how much she loved us as teachers. Did we make a difference in her life? We may never know, although we did give her numbers and addresses just in case she might need us, and secretly I think we hope that she might use the information. I have fell in love with the child and can't think about how sad it is that she might never have a chance, (WHEN I KNOW SHE COULD MAKE IT IF SHE HAD THE RIGHT CIRUMSTANCES) to succeed in life...and this kid has the want to that you don't get from a lot of students these days. They seem to accept their situation and be as sorry as some of their parents...and I am not meaning to sound like I am judging the parents, because, I do not know all of their circumstances or what some of them go through everyday just to provide food on the table, but when a child is moved 4 times in a school year with numerous absents from schools...and writes in her journal things that would make you shiver, sometimes the question becomes is this neglect???? In my opinion, yes, it is and I wish some way some how, we could take our babies home with us and provide them with what they deserve.
So all we can do now, is pray for that sweet baby and pray that God did place her in our life for a small amount of time, but that we somehow impacted her in such a positive way, that it will allow her the opportunity she deserves no matter where she goes! I also pray that God will place people in her life who truly care about her and love her like we do...I pray that one day she will remember her two teachers that loved her beyond her circumstances and wanted all the best for her in life...okay...I do feel better...I will continue to pray for her and I hope that you will too!




Saturday, November 03, 2007

Worshipping the Worship
Current mood: guilty
Category: Religion and Philosophy
This a blog I copied from a friend, Misty...she wrote it, but it spoke so heavily to my heart..I will be sharing it with my worship minister..b/c I think it describes all of us at some point in our lives! And it made me stop and think and ask God to forgive me of being so guilty of this at times! HOpe you all enjoy this blog!
It had happened to me nearly every Sunday since we'd moved to central ..:NAMESPACE PREFIX = ST1 />Florida. I would go to church, pray that God would move me during the song service….and then stand there with frowny-face and crossed arms wondering what the minister of music was possibly thinking when he selected the line-up for worship that day. Church would dismiss and the words would evacuate my mouth before we even hit the parking lot; "I can't believe we actually sang 'Our God is an Awesome God' and my gosh, who knew that hymnals were even still in print!" My words would seep into Brett's ears like poison and he would begin to agree with me. "Yeah, and truthfully I really didn't think [the minister of music] had that great of a singing voice. In fact, it kind of irritated me." The conversation would continue as we piously walked to the car and popped in some Hillsong for the ride home. Thank God for recorded music. It was frustrating. Why couldn't we find a church like our old one? This church didn't worship right; in fact, they had the music all wrong. On a scale of 1-10, I'd give them about a 4.

It was during this time, and before I started working, that I drove up to visit my parents for the weekend. Visiting their church that Sunday was one of those times I will always look back on in my life and remember that God used someone as a mouthpiece to speak directly to me. Their pastor spoke about worship, and as I listened to the message, God broke my heart.

..:NAMESPACE PREFIX = O />
"Don't worship any other god, because I, the Lord, the Jealous One, am a jealous God." Exodus 34:14.

"Worship the Lord your God and serve him only." Deuteronomy 6:13

Simple, right? Don't worship money, don't worship your job, your car, your friends, your husband, blah blah blah; c'mon this is Sunday School stuff. We all know not to worship anything or anyone but God, right?

But what happens when we begin to worship the worship? Oops.

What happens when we take the beautiful gift that worshipping God is, and spoil it by making it all about what we want from it? WE need to feel a certain way. WE need to sing the songs that give us certain feelings. WE need to worship in a certain style to feel like we are doing it correctly. Who cares what God thinks; WE NEED TO DO IT OUR WAY. Otherwise, we're going to trash the service before we even leave the building and give it a 4 out of 10, and wonder why God can't lead us to a church that worships in the style WE are used to worshipping in.

Who are WE to demand ANYTHING from worship?

After all, worship is for Jesus, right? Worship is taking everything we are and humbling ourselves before the Lord, right? Coming to His feet and saying "I'm so totally not worthy to even speak your name." Worship is humility, reverence, obedience. Worship is a gift from God meant to be given back to God.

I wonder how Jesus would have rated my worship those Sunday mornings? Would He have said "Misty, your praise is beautiful to me." Or would He have said, you know, you barely sang, you were thinking about lunch and your arms were folded across your chest instead of lifted towards me. I give you about a 2 on that, Misty." It was a heartbreaking moment to realize that I had let God down so blatently. I was instantly so aware that the songs that we sang each Sunday were songs that God had selected for me to use as tools to praise Him. What if one of the ones I didn't like was one of His favorites?

In closing, the pastor told a story of a thriving church that was made well-known for their praise and worship service. People came from everywhere just to take part in the song service. After a while, though, it began to seem as though something was missing. Attendance began to drop. The spiritual leaders in the church came together to pray about what was happening. They soon realized that in their efforts to create "the perfect worship service," they had taken Jesus out of the equation all together and began worshipping the worship. Immediately, they eliminated all of the praise band's instruments. No more fan-fare. No more drums. No more piano. They met together and broke off into small groups and began singing songs acapella, focusing all their energy and all their hearts on praising God. Once again, the church began to thrive, and eventually they brought back the instruments and the praise team. During this time, however, the minister of music wrote a song you may have heard. I hope that the words of it speak to you as they did to me.

When the music fades
all is stripped away
And I simply come
Longing just to bring
something that's of worth
That will bless Your heart

I'll bring You more than a song
For a song in itself
Is not what you have required
You search much deeper within
Through the way things appear
You're looking into my heart
I'm coming back to the heart of worship
And it's all about You
It's all about you, Jesus
I'm sorry, Lord, for the thing I've made it
When it's all about You
It's all about you, Jesus

King of endless worth
No one could express
How much You deserve
Though I'm weak and poor
All I have is Yours
Every single breath

I'll bring You more than a song
For a song in itself
Is not what you have required
You search much deeper within
Through the way things appear
You're looking into my heart

I'm coming back to the heart of worship
And it's all about You
It's all about you, Jesus
I'm sorry, Lord, for the thing I've made it
When it's all about You

It's all about you, Jesus.


Sunday, October 07, 2007

Psalm 103 & Baby Emma
Current mood: touched
Category: Life
Psalm 103:3-4
Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits- who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion,

I am sure you all remember my prayer request from a dear friend Kelli about her baby Emma who was told she had a malignant tumor and was only 6 weeks old. It was such a sad email and prompted a lot of people to call on the name of Jesus for that baby to be healed, and Praise God, we witnessed a modern day miracle when He touched her and healed her of that terrible disease. Well, I had the privilege of sitting next to that sweet baby and Kelli this morning in church. They had a wedding in Destin, and wanted to stop by and go to church with us to thank people for praying for them from Hillcrest. Bro. Billy did an awesome job of introducing the miracle of God and how we can see miracles every day if we would just look. I thank God for knowing this family and for touching my life and so many others with their story! May God continue to bless the Hayes Family and to use their situation to praise His name and to further His kingdom! Praise Be to God!!!

Sunday, August 05, 2007

Just sharing some blessings!!
Category: Life
Well, tomorrow it is back to the old routine of getting up early, going to work and back in the routine. But I have to say, I have never been more excited about returning to work. Every year I have taught has been a blessing, but never has a year started off the way it is this time. I am fortunate to be a part of about 100 teachers from Enterprise City Schools who will be singing praises to Christ at 8 am in the morning at teacher institute! What a way to open up a school year! I just know that God is going to place someone in my path this year to share His love and mercy with and I pray that I will be where I need to be with Him to accomplish that task. I do not want to be a "Worthless Christian" as was preached today. God has been too good to my family for me to take Him or his mercy for granted. We have been through a lot to get us where we are today! Also, on Wednesday, we will be sharing in song "Bigger than Life" at the football stadium with the community! Teachers, students, administrators and city leaders will be uplifting the whole E-prise School System as we begin a new year and now more than ever have a harvest of students to be there for as we all remember the tornado and where we have come since then. God has been really working in my life lately and I just wanted to share some blessings with you! Pray for us and all the teachers and administrators as they go back in the classroom and work with the precious children we will encounter! I just can't wait to see what He has in store for us with all of the support we are receiving! Also, I want to thank Tracy and Brian for welcoming us into the SS class...we are going to grow and learn so much...I know!!! God sends special people in our lives just when we need them and I thank Him so much for all he has done and will do!!!! Happy New School Year to all!!!!!!!

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

The Brylee Collection
My mom's friend started a small business a long time ago called "Tatum Patch Designs" out of Georgia. She did anything from dresses to ties for men. She went around to lots of craft shows and did so well, that she started a full time business out of her home expanding to things for children too. When Brylee was born, she asked us if she could use Brylee's name for her new children's collection. We told her absolutely..she even decided to set up an account for Brylee that she would put a percentage of each sale in for her future education. We were just thrilled at this idea and had no idea it would do as well as it has. She does home shows and has great prices! She went to a smocking school offered by Martha Pullen and is great at it! A lot of you have asked where I get Brylee's clothes, well, a lot have come from her...including the white pantaloon outfit in the birthday album and the watermelon smocked dress. Here is her web address...it is not as updated as she would like it to be and is working on it, but I have also included a link to her newsletter. Diaper bags and burp clothes are the cutest things and cheap too! So please at least check her out!

www.tatumpatchdesigns.com

I can't include the link to the newsletter, but if you are interested, send me your email and I will forward it to you!




Sunday, May 13, 2007

Happy 2nd Mother's Day to Me!
Current mood: thankful
Category: Life
Well, today I celebrated my 2nd Mother's Day since Brylee was born! What a joy that child has been to me since she graced the world with her presence! She has been the smile, laugh and person that has kept me going and made me smile, when things seem tough. I can come home from a hard day and she just does one thing that turns my spirits completely around! She is a breath of fresh air and to me is just amazing. God really knew what he was doing when he created Brylee Jayde Hill...I think she even gives him a run for his money, or either He is just sitting up there laughing at me trying to control her! When Kenny and I first dicussed having a child, I was secretly hoping for my angel girl, and was pleasantly suprised to have her...She is truly a Mother's Day gift and I have enjoyed my day with her! We started with church, where the preacher preached on Moses and his momma. She taught him several things, but 2 of them were 1. To Know Who He was, and 2. To Know Who God was...In the end he identified and kept his faith in God, and we all know the rest of the story! I too hope that I can teach Brylee these things as she grows and learns to love God with all of her heart and to remember who she is! And that she doesn't have to change to fit in any crowd...such pressures are out there these days, and I along with most of you I am sure, don't want her to forget who her Heavenly Father is and that He loves her! Okay, so know that I am about to cry, I guess I will post the words to this song we all know...it is perfect for the day!!! I love you all and I hope you have had a wonderful day!!!

Saturday, April 21, 2007

Freedom Writers
Current mood: determined
Category: Life
Okay, so obviously I am way behind on my movie status, considering all we watch these days involves fictional, furry characters, and since the fact that Brylee owns all 4 tvs in the house! But, Kenny and I just finished "Freedom Writers" and all I can say is Wow! This was an excellent movie that I would recommend to anyone especially to teachers. Now is a great time to watch the movie, since Spring Fever has set in! We never know what our kids bring to school with them on a daily basis, or what they go home to. I think this movie's biggest message is that we have to stop and take time to not only teach them, but to love them. "Mrs. G", as they called her was a mother to a lot of the students and she earned their respect by giving respect. She didn't talk above them or down at them, but listened. I had an opportunity to be a "Mrs. G" in Atlanta, but I will be the first to admit that I failed tremendously. I don't think it was all my fault, because I came in Feb. and really didn't have a lot of time to work with them, but I began to notice a slight change in most of my students for the better towards the end of school. Most of them had problems that went beyond environment, and most were on numerous medications, but all excuses aside, this movie motivated me and I wish I would have seen it prior to my experience. I am at an awesome school now with help from Superintendent down to co-workers, and enjoy going to work everyday, but I think we should all be in love with our teaching job regardless of the students and their "baggage". So, I end this Friday night, with "Let's all try and be a Mrs. G". Have a great weekend, and go to church somewhere Sunday! God is so good to us all! love you all!!!

Sunday, March 11, 2007

Picture Link and Blog
Current mood: grateful
Category: Life
Hey guys! After we returned from Scottsboro we were able to see firsthand some of nature's most terrifying destruction. We were actually able to walk up close to the school and in the gym. Don't know if I was supposed to, but my curiosity got the best of me since I had never seen anything like this before. I found several little items left behind, even an American History book. It still amazes me how the bulletin board you will see in the pictures is still PERFECT!!! but the gym next to it is destroyed...I know that God has a plan and everything works according to his plan and I am a little more at ease about that after our sermon this morning. Dr. Joy preached on finding an anchor to hold on to during the storm..an anchor deeper than the surface, and the only one is God himself! It was an awesome service. AJ Jackson's daddy spoke briefly about that day and his reactions still leave me in awe! He knows where his son is and wouldn't beg him back for anything! After telling Peter Dunn's momma on the day after the tragic event, that he was sorry she had lost her baby, and immediately she stopped him and said, "I didn't lose my baby, I know exactly where he is!" What an awesome testimony that these students have left behind for all of us to strive and be like! They had all the high school students, all system teachers, the superintendant and principal to come up and pray for all of us in the next days to come...I ask you to pray too that we will be able to minister to these children as they come to us and for us to say the right things and for the Glory of God to manifest itself throughout all of this! Like Dr. JOy said, the goal of the church since we have been there is praying for revival in our community! We didn't pray for this to happen to spark that, but now more than ever people are hurting and crying out for help! What an awesome harvest to be placed in, and I just hope that somehow, I can be used in this town. So with that all being said, I have uploaded the pictures to our family website instead of sending them, because there were just too many...so please feel free to visit our page and say a prayer for our community as you do! We love you all!!!



Monday, March 05, 2007

March 1, 2007
Current mood: indescribable
Category: Life
Well, I guess I have put this blog off long enough. I have always dreaded discussing horrible things that happen or the effects they have on our lives, but I understand it is life and it does happen and sometimes talking about it helps. March 1 seemed like an ordinary day to many people in Enterprise Alabama. It was any other Thursday and people were at their schools and work getting ready for the weekend. Little did they know that by 1:15, their lives would be forever changed. I cannot say enough how blessed the Hill family feels this morning. We have thanked God numerous times that he chose to move us the day before and spare us from the terrible storm. There is no doubt in my mind that He was in control when we planned our trip to Bham/Scottsboro! If Kenny would have been at that school, he would have been right in the brunt of the storm, and by God's grace he was not! As I stated before, we are suffering from mixed emotions..from thankfulness to devastation. How selfish of me to be thankful I am alive when there are still so many suffering and so many burying their babies as I type! All I can do is pray that God will heal their families and mend this great community we are so fortunate to be a part of! I saw today where Katie's mom said that Michael was found with his arms around her trying to protect her, and what a great comfort that was knowing that she was not alone and was with someone who cared for her! I also saw where the cheerleader coach Mrs. Bridges, 5 months pregnant, risked her own life to protect her students, and one of them was quoted, "I never knew a teacher could love her students that much". Wow! What an awesome thing to know that she will be able to tell her son of this day and the courage, love, and sacrifice she showed to her students. I know that God is in control and He was there on that day, even though some may still be asking "Why God?" But He is and will always be and I know that He will take care of all affected! Please remember them in your prayers as well, and that Enterprise will come back stronger than ever!


Sunday, December 17, 2006

God's Gift to us!
Current mood: thankful
Well, here we are a year later. A year after my daddy had his accident where he fell in a 30 foot deep hole and broke his back and crushed his foot. A fall that only by the grace of our merciful God did he survive! A year ago, we were sitting in a hospital watching him lay in pain and not knowing the extent of injuries or how long it would be before his recovery. He is still not completely there, but has come a long way and made some tremendous leaps and bounds. During church our message was on the simple verse John 3:16. We all know it and repeated out loud the familiar verse. But today, Dr. Joy broke it down into 3 parts...the Cause of Christ's gift= "because he loved us", the The Cost of the gift= "His only begotten son" and the Condition of the gift= "If you believe, you have everlasting life"...no matter the gift we may give someone or the thought behind it, none can ever compare to God's most special gift he has given us..and it is my prayer that all of my friends have accepted this gift. We had 2 people come down for prayer, one was a lady who has just been diagnosed with cancer with 5 months to live, and another was a man about to be deployed to Iraq and leaving his family behind, and his father passed away yesterday. My heart just broke and tears flowed as I prayed with the church for these families and their needs, but at the same time in great joy that God has been so good an gracious to my family! Everyone is healthy and here. I know that could change in a heartbeat, but I thank him on this December 17 for all the many blessings, and friends we have and for those of you that have been there through everything we have faced in this past year, THANK YOU!!!! Thank you for loving us, supporting us and standing by us! May God bless you all!!!!! Kenny, Brooke and Brylee!

Saturday, November 04, 2006

Unexpected Death
Current mood: crushed
Category: Life
I have a good friend who just recently lost her husband. He was in a single car accident coming home from work early Thursday morning. It immediately brought back memories of the same type thing happening to another friend of mine...alot of the same similarities...and it made me do some serious thinking...Lori is a friend I met this summer at an ARI training and is doing the same job I am at a different school in the system. We have kept in touch through emails, church and different school activities. She is an awesome person with 3 beautiful children. When I heard the news, I didn't know the name of the person, nor did I really pursue it since I dont know many people here yet. But at lunch time I heard the story and who it was. My heart literally sank in my chest! Poor Lori..is all I could think! And then my immediate next thought was, Wow! that could be me as well! Every feeling from sickness, sadness, and compassion swept over me. I know death is real and has no respect of persons, but when it is a situation that is just like yours, it is even more real! He was 29, my husband is 29, we both teach, her youngest daughter is 3 months older than Brylee! As I stood in line waiting to view the body and hug her until I thought the pain would go away, I just wept inside and out for her and those babies! Her 3rd grader thought she was getting out of school to get braces and was so excited, the shock of learning the news when she found out, I am sure was just devastating! She will always remember her 3rd grade year by this. Again, as I have written before I know that God has a plan and everything is in His plan, but it is so hard for the ones left behind. Such a young, nice, happy family one day and completely torn apart the next. We truly do not know what tomorrow holds, and sometimes God uses things like this to make us stop and realize that fact! So I say to all my dear friends on here, I truly hope you know where you will spend eternity should you not be here tomorrow! I want to see you all in Heaven and you can do that by accepting the Lord as your Savior! Please don't let it be too late, and let's all try and live our lives as if today is the last day...say your I love yous and be nice to people...and please remember Lori and her family in your prayers when you pray...she is such a wonderful person and I know that God and prayers will help them get through this tough time!

Sunday, October 29, 2006

A Friend is someone who knows all about you and loves you anyway!!!"
Current mood: chipper
Category: Life
Good times this weekend. My best friend from Daphne, Tiffany with her daughter Rowan and visited with us this weekend. We always have the best time and really just enjoy being around eachother..We can just sit and do nothing and have a great time. Brylee got to practice her 'sharing' skills with Rowan, since now she can crawl and explore things. She did pretty good, unless it was her favorite toy and she would just take it and put it away, or hand it to me. When Rowan would cry, I would pick her up and immediately Bry would start crying, so don't guess she is ready for that sibling just yet! We went to Dothan on a shopping journey on Saturday. I say "journey" b/c by the time the girls were dressed cute, one crying, one fussing and whiny, strollers loaded, snacks and diaper bag prepared, carseats buckled and ourselves looking halfway decent...we made it there! Had lunch at O'charley's, trip to That Store, Kids Korner and then finally destination...home for naps, baths and crash time for mommies! We have decided it isn't as easy as it used to be and the next time, Daddys will be on DD (daddy duty)! But we did have a wonderful time and I am so thankful to have such great friends as her to enjoy weekends with!


WE DID IT!!
Category: Blogging
We officially did it! We have been struggling over getting Bry's ears pierced for sometime...just afraid..and worried. Stupid I know...but we decided to go ahead and do it before she gets any older...so we did it today..during LSU's halftime..Kenny was disgusted, so he went along. She did great and didn't cry until after it was over and only for a short time..so cute.

Tuesday, October 03, 2006

Mission Complete
Current mood: content
YaY!!! I had the Lasik procedure done on yesterday...I am now able to see without any aid! I can see 20/15 both eyes...20/15 left eye and 20/20 right eye..so I am about as normal as you can get and I love it! The huge speculum thing they put in your eye to hold it open was EXTREMELY uncomfortable, but def. wouldn't stop me from doing it again...it was worth it.., the whole atmosphere was like an episode of Star Wars...very high tech and they way they called things out and such...so thanks to all who said a prayer or remembered me! It was worth it and I would recommend my doc to anyone! So, went home this weekend..had a very good time...very jammed packed though with ballgames, birthday party, church, family etc. That is the only bad thing about a short trip, is not enough time..but I do have a few new pics I will be posting soon! Take care and have a Happy Wednesday!!!!




Friday, September 22, 2006

***NEW EYES**
Current mood: indescribable
Category: Life
Okay..so I have always wanted lasik surgery, but been too afraid or didn't have the money and now I am ready..went to the eye dr. for the evaluation today and all the tests ran. I am a good candidate and the date is set, Oct. 2!!! YAY for me! I long for cute sunglasses, while still being able to see and for just me,,,no stupid rims around the eyes! So remember the date and say a short prayer around 1:30.
Also, I am a little concerned with somethings going on. In the past year, I have been associated some way with 5 suicides. Well, not associated, but it has affected someone in my town, family, church, or schools. One being a 9 year old and a 21 year old. I am at a complete loss of words for these dear people and the families they leave behind. How sad to leave so many people with unanswered questions. But at the same time, how could things get so bad that you feel you have absolutely no one to turn to? I mean, NO ONE! And especially these young lives with so much ahead of them. I have been through some really tough times in my life, but none to the point that taking my own life would be an option. I just wonder if there are signs that we or friends missed. It breaks my heart to know that one who was my daddy's best friend felt that was the only situation. Wow, it killed us all, but at the same time brought to the realization that we never know what someone is going through, and even though we may think it is small, you never truly know the burden they are carrying or hiding deep inside. I know this is a touchy subject, but it has just been on my heart to have so many in such a short period of time! A friend had sad they were really frustrated, kinda confused, and extremely sad over learning of one's passing...and I thought that was a meaningful way of putting it into perspective!
I know that you will continue to keep all your families in your prayers and remember them. May God bless them all and place a peace over them through there times of need...and read up on the signs you should look for and maybe, just maybe we all can save a life before it is too late sometime! I love you all!!! Brooke

Saturday, September 16, 2006

Does my baby get carsick?
Current mood: frustrated
Okay..first of all, we have been traveling since Brylee was literally 1 week old. She made her first long trip to Scottsboro and since then has been back and forth to Georgia, Enterprise, Daphne, Scottsboro and all around windy roads, straight roads, curvy and loopy with NO problems. But this past Saturday, we all loaded up to hit some yard sales, and within 5 minutes of being in the car, Brylee threw up..not spit up..threw up. Once she did it, she was fine. This Saturday we went to a kids clothes sale in Ozark, about 25 miles away...made it there fine, then went to Dothan..fine...came home and on the road to our house, she threw up again..not spit up..threw up! Again, perfectly fine once it was all out...which leads me to believe it is not a virus, and why is it only happening on Saturdays??? Our car seat cannot be stripped without going through a huge process of using a screwdriver, so we have to hose it down and manually wash it outside and let the sun dry it. 2nd Sat. in a row..the neighbors are going to think that we wash carseats on sat. along with yardwork! Just wondering if anyone else deals with this or your opinion. I have a nephew who does and he is in 7th grade..I have heard some kids grow out of it...but ??? I dunno....help!




Sunday, August 13, 2006

*~No Excuse Sunday~*
Current mood: happy
Category: Religion and Philosophy
Wow! What a Sunday! Once again we had a powerful sermon both morning and evening. This morning was about what kind of church member are you...1..attending...2...Apathetic...3...Awakened (what we all should strive for) So he went on to say we need to have the no excuse Sunday which was pretty hilarious, but sadly true! It doesn't matter what we "need" to do on Sunday, that is God's day and it should be devoted to him! Lord, help me to remember that and not be guilty of such easy excuses! Also, to find where in Hillcrest I can best serve you and store some more crowns so I can place them at your feet to say Thank You someday! PM service was about where I can be used, whether it be the children's ministry, choir, or youth...please guide me Dear Lord. He spoke of the crowns and how they are earned..I began to search my own life and in no way have I done all I needed to do or should have done since I accepted the Lord as Savior. I pray that my life will reflect more on him and do way more now than I have ever done before for His Glory! We have an awesome new building for children ($7 million building) that is only a testament of the faithfulness the members have and their strong passion for the children.God has truly blessed them in so many ways..I hope to be apart of raising my child and helping to raise others there! Here is a list of the no excuses...read for your enjoyment! Have a blessed week! Love to all!!!
To make it possible for everyone to attend church this Sunday, we are going to have a special "No Excuse Sunday":
Cots will be placed in the foyer for those who say, "Sunday is my only day to sleep in."
There will be a special section with lounge chairs for those who feel that our pews are too hard.
Eye drops will be available for those with tired eyes from watching TV late Saturday night.
We will have steel helmets for those who say, "The roof would cave in if I ever came to church."
Blankets will be furnished for those who think the church is too cold, and fans for those who say it is too hot.
Scorecards will be available for those who wish to list the hypocrites present.
Relatives and friends will be in attendance for those who can't go to church and cook dinner, too.
We will distribute "Stamp Out Stewardship" buttons for those that feel the church is always asking for money.
One section will be devoted to trees and grass for those who like to seek God in nature.
Doctors and nurses will be in attendance for those who plan to be sick on Sunday.
The sanctuary will be decorated with both Christmas poinsettias and Easter lilies for those who never have seen the church without them.
We will provide hearing aids for those who can't hear the preacher and cotton wool for those who think he's too loud!
Hope to see you there!
- Source Unknown




Wednesday, August 02, 2006

New Beginnings!
Current mood: peaceful
Category: Life
Okay...so an update..i promise to try and be brief! Have you ever heard the name "Fred Luter"? Well, he is a sanctified, holy, annoited man of God! He has a message and a testimony that you MUST hear in person before you die! Seriously, he is a powerful preacher and it is very evident in his ministry and church. He came to Hillcrest for our last Magnificient Monday and preached. He is the pastor of Franklin Avenue Baptist Church in New Orleans. Wow, our church is really on fire and is praying for a spiritual awakening in our area and I believe it has begun. The holy spirit came down and you would've thought our southern baptist, predominately white church was a good old spirit filled black church! He was very Powerful! I am still on a spiritual high from his message! So, I guess you can tell, we love, love, love our new church! Dr. Billy Joy is our pastor and he too is on fire for God! I love when you enter a church and you can tell that God is in the midst!
I went to my school to see my "spot"...I say that b/c I will be going in and out of classrooms, so, Mr. Stewart has put me on the STAGE!!! HA! I have a desk, 2 tables, bookshelf...t.v and vcr! I even have a name tag above my door entering the stage..pretty cute! But on the other hand, I do get a laptop...I asked for one since I am floating! So, he graciously got me one. I got to meet some of the staff, the custodians and the lunchroom workers...those are your best friends at a school!
Brylee began daycare yesterday...she had a great day, but got her iniation ceremony...another little girl "rachel" bit her on the side of her face where her temple is! How that happened ,,,,i don't know...poor baby, she still has a mark today. But I encouraged the workers to watch her better. Apparently she is known for this type of behavior. I just hope Brylee doesn't pick it up, but knowing her, she will to defend herself, b/c she can hold her own. So, I took her back today and she seemed to be enjoying the kids and toys. I think it is going to be a pleasant experience for her.
Kenny finally got him a new lawn mower, edger, and blower, so he is in "hog heaven"....since he blew the other one up. He loves his lawn and I am excited to see him loving to mow and plant and all that good stuff. He thinks we have the "most improved" lawn so far..and he swears that next year, we will have the "Most Beautiful"..HA...as for me, I am enjoying these last few days before school starts. Until next time...