Monday, December 21, 2009

Keira's First Basketball Game

Keira had her very first game this past Saturday. She was so excited! Her team name is Tarheels. She is in the 4-6 yr old age group. I think she is the only 4yr old on her team. Only 2 girls on the team. She has only had 2 practices so far and loves it. Getting a practice shot in before the game begins. Keira had 19 fans to watch her play. Not kidding. We are so blessed to have such a supportive family on both sides. Her great-grandfather Duncan came and he was loved it. He said "This is better than watching high school" and he would know, he has attended so many in his life. Still goes to them.
Brandon got asked to run the clock. Brock was running around being silly, I think he was excited over all the family. I couldn't help but smile while watching my little girl play. She was so cute. She didn't touch the ball much, but still seemed to enjoy the game. The one time she got a rebound, her fan base erupted. Brandon was opposite all of us and he said it was so loud. LOL!! We all cheered her on and she was able to attempt one shot. Even though they don't keep score in this league, her team won 6-0. If you know me, you know I have to keep score. HA!! Can't help it, it is that competitive side. Plus, I wasn't the only Duncan keeping up with it, I heard some others saying it.
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b-ball

I got tickled after observing that Keira only wanted to pass to the other girl on her team. I guess she figured since the boys wouldn't pass them the ball, she wouldn't pass the ball to them when it was her turn to dribble up the court.
The coach lets all the kids take turns bringing the ball up the court. They all get to play the different positions also. We really like her coach and she is so good with them.
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Sunday, December 20, 2009

Morrison Hill Preschool Christmas Play

Keira's preschool class put on a play last Thursday afternoon. She had the role of an angel. All the kid did a great job and it is always so sweet to watch kids this age perform.
Mary and Joseph
Mary and Elizabeth
Angel talking to Mary
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Play continued

All the kids singing singing "Happy Birthday" to Jesus
My sweet little angel
I think the angels were suppose to be out of sight............
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Monday, December 14, 2009

Facing your Giants

A month or so ago the words "Facing your Giants" kept popping up in my thoughts. Nothing particular in my life was going on at the time that I thought would require me to be thinking about this. I went and read 1 Samuel 17, the story of David and Goliath. Obviously, this passage kept coming to mind as the thought about Facing the Giants would come up. A story I have read and heard numerous times, but what was I missing or overlooking from the passage? Who in their right mind would volunteer to fight Goliath, who was over 9 feet tall. Saul and the men of Israel were frightened and no one even considered going up against him. Along comes David. Humanly speaking, the odds were stacked against David. He was a youth, he was not even in the army, Goliath had yrs of military experience - David had none. Saul's armour was way to big on David, so he had no physical protection. All David had going for him was the Lord was on his side and he had 5 smooth stones and a sling. Now, to many people, this wasn't much. I am sure Saul and his men thought David had lost his young mind. But hey, better him than them going up against a giant. Most of you know the rest of the story - David killed Goliath with 1 stone and a sling. All David needed was the lord on his side and the faith that God would provide and deliver him. Nothing else at all, nothing. The Lord!! I have thought over the past month or so about this. All David had was the Lord, he didn't rely on his self or his own strength or anyone else. So, it lead me to ask myself - What am I leaning on more? Myself or God? I wanted to answer God. Life had been going so good and I had no major stress, other than yor normal, everyday stresses of life and raising children, that I honestly had to step back and take a look at myself. I had been getting to big for my britches, thinking I was in control and how good everything was going that I was straying from asking for God's guidance and wisdom on a daily basis. I honestly couldn't answer God at that point. I begin to ponder about my giants - what are they, what do I fear? I am not a worry type and never have been. We all have our "giants" on our lives. For some, it may be facing Chirstmas without a loved one(s) for the first time or for the tenth time, etc. It may be job loss, financial troubles, marital trouble, children difficulty, friendships in trouble, medical issues, worries about things in this life, and the list could go on and on. Whether we admit it or not, we all have "giants" in our lives. Some more than others, sometimes you don't realize it till it happens and you are standing face to face with the "giant." What will you do? I would have to think that as a parent, one of the giants would be losing a child. 2 days before Thanksgiving, this happened to our friends, they lost their 3 month old son suddenly. The day started out as any normal day, but by that afternoon, it would become a day that would forever change their lives. This is a giant I must admit, I don't think about, although it has crossed my mind at times. But, when it happens to you or someone you know, well, there is no avoiding this giant. I watched as a young family's life was seemingly shattered and could have crumbled under these circumstances. But, this couple faced this giant with only God on their side and byt heir faith and assurance in His will, not their own will or plans, but His. This has to be one of the most tragic events anyone can go thorugh in this life. I have watched as this couple has given the glory and praise to God through this entire process. Never once did they question God or ask why? No anger, no bitterness. How many people could do this in such an unimaginable situation? What a witness they have been to others, not only the lost, but other Christians as well. They have taught us so much. I could go on and on about this. This is how we should face our giants. We all know people who asked why would God let this happen and so on? I don't understand why this happened? Well, if you have faith like David and this couple, you do understand and you can accept it and know that God has a plan and a purpose, as difficult as this is, they have displayed true, saving faith. Praise God!! We have a decision to make as Christians as we face our "giants", I think we know the right choice, but when the time comes, our actions and words will show us if we made the right decision. Who will we lean on and what will we do when the times come? Not only did this loss of this precious baby boy minister to me, it showed me, along with some other minor events in my life that have transpired over the past month or so, that my head was getting to big for me. Things have been going so well, that I was losing my focus on God and started thinking I was in control and doing what I wanted without asking for His guidance on a daily basis. Once again, He reeled me back in and showed me that I am nothing without Him. I cannot function, even on a daily basis, without Him. My "giants" will change as the days go by, but my Lord will never change. As I face my "giants", big or small, I have to trust and rely on God. For without Him, the "giant" will crush me. We don't know what tomorrow may bring, but we know who holds the future. Could you say "It is well, with my soul" in times of joy and in times or sorrow. I hope so! Whatever"giant" you may be facing currently or comes your way, I pray you will face it with God's help and a faith like David's. The Lord is all we need, nothing else. Photobucket

Sunday, December 13, 2009

5K Race

Dec. 12, 2009 at Krutch Park, Market Street in Knoxville Ralton and Renea Emory and I ran the 5K this morning. It was absolutely freezing! We could not feel our fingers, toes, or noses, even while running. This is a neat race, as participants dress up for Christmas. We saw Santas, elves, reindeers, and all other great outfits. They do give out jingle bells to wear, but we didn't put them on. I prefer not to draw attention to myself, if it can be avoided. It was a good morning, even if we froze!! Some runners wore shorts and even tanktops, which I honestly don't know how they could do that. Waiting on the race to start. Starting to spread out! Our next race is New Years Day!!!
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Thursday, December 10, 2009

Santa pic

Never would I have imagined we would get a picture taken with Santa. We haven't had these pictures done since each child was a baby and didn't know what was happening. We had to pass Santa in the mall to our next destination and I was waiting for the usaul crying and "I want to go home" that happens. But, we stopped and let the kids look at Santa from a short distance. Then, Keira decides she wants to go see him and sit in his lap. Mamaw and I were shocked, pretty much speechless. So, off we go! Keira is so excited, Brock not so much. The helper tells the kids if Santa knows their names, they are on the nice list. Keira climbs up to his lap, Brock is running away, not happy, not wanting anything to do with Santa. I still can't beleive what I am witnessing with my first born. This is huge for her, she overcame a fear this afternoon. Santa knows their names, which delights her even more. Brock could care less, he just wants to leave. So, Mamaw suggests (forces) I get in the picture with Santa and the kids. The only way little man is going to get in the pic is this way. So, the picture shows the rest of the story. Good times!
We got to have lunch with daddy and then went to the Groovy Pad and played and made our first gingerbread house. The kids had such a good time. I wish I had taken my camera, but I usually don't haul the big one around. I need to put my point and shoot in my purse. Brock dressed up as a dinosaur and was so cute, and Keira put on princess attire and served Mamaw and I tea. Keira got her make-up and nails done, while Brock got tattoos. They enjoyed the Groovy Pad and Keira is excited about going back this Saturday morning for a friends birthday party. The life of a pre-schooler!!
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Sunday, December 06, 2009

Christmas Poem

Twas the month before Christmas* *When all through our land,* *Not a Christian was praying* *Nor taking a stand.** See the PC Police had taken away,* *The reason for Christmas - no one could say.* *The children were told by their schools not to sing, About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.* *It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say** December 25th is just a ' Holiday '.*Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit* *Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!* *CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-pod**Something was changing, something quite odd! *Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa* *In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.* *As Targets were hanging their trees upside down* * At Lowe's the word Christmas - was no where to be found.* *At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears, You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.* *Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-si-ty* *Are words that were used to intimidate me.* *Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen* *On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton !* *At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter* *To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter* *And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith* * Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace* *The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded* *The reason for the season, stopped before it started.* *So as you celebrate 'Winter Break' under your 'Dream Tree'* *Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.* *Choose your words carefully, choose what you say* *Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS ,not Happy Holiday ! *Please, all Christians join together and wish everyone you meet during the holidays a MERRY CHRISTMAS Photobucket