Let Love Prevail over Evil

 Love Will Prevail!

                                                                                                            twas' 11 days before Christmas, around 9:38

                                                                                                           when 20 beautiful children stormed through heaven's gate.

                                                                                                           their smiles were contagious, their laughter filled the air.

                                                                                                           they could hardly believe all the beauty they saw there.

they were filled with such joy, they didn't know what to say.
they remembered nothing of what had happened earlier that day.
"where are we?" asked a little girl, as quiet as a mouse.
"this is heaven." declared a small boy. "we're spending Christmas at God's house."
when what to their wondering eyes did appear,
but Jesus, their savior, the children gathered near.
He looked at them and smiled, and they smiled just the same.
then He opened His arms and He called them by name.
and in that moment was joy, that only heaven can bring
those children all flew into the arms of their King
and as they lingered in the warmth of His embrace,
one small girl turned and looked at Jesus' face.
and as if He could read all the questions she had
He gently whispered to her, "I'll take care of mom and dad."
then He looked down on earth, the world far below
He saw all of the hurt, the sorrow, and woe
then He closed His eyes and He outstretched His hand,
"Let My power and presence re-enter this land!"
"may this country be delivered from the hands of fools"
"I'm taking back my nation. I'm taking back my schools!"
then He and the children stood up without a sound.
"come now my children, let me show you around."
excitement filled the space, some skipped and some ran.
    all displaying enthusiasm that only a small child can.
and i heard Him proclaim as He walked out of sight,
"in the midst of this darkness, I AM STILL THE LIGHT."

     

    

      I like a million other Mothers have had a horrible time trying to understand why?  My heart is just broken for the families who will never be able to hug their little ones close.  I came across the above poem and it was so fitting.  It comforted me more than anything I have come across.   My heart is so broken for the families that are suffering.  I know that the Lord has a plan and purpose but honestly I can't wrap my mind around the loss of 20 beautiful children.  The loss at any time is tragic but at Christmas is especially hard. Today in church all our eyes where filled with tears!  Mothers who have avoided the news like me where faced again with it when prayers where offered, classes taught and lessons learned. All the people and children lost where mentioned. The tears continued to flow. The topper was the singing of "I am a Child of God"  in relief society  by a woman with her guitar . It was the sweetest dearest rendition I have ever heard and it meant so much to me.
       I also know that the Lord has reasons and a plan for everything .  We do not understand nor can we fathom the why's of this senseless and horrific act.  I have chosen to turn it off!  No news, no radio or updates on it.  I have however looked at the pics of these beautiful angels and their hero's that tried to save them. I do love the stories that are coming out about the principal and teachers.  All of these women served their kids with so much love and devotion that they died for them. This is the most humble example I have seen of Christ like love.
       I am choosing to let this event affect me differently. I do know that we live in a very different world these days.  Evil does walk among us. However, I refuse to let the evil in this world change me inside.I will however let this act help me to change this world by spreading more love and happiness and hope.   I will not become sour or bitter or vengeful. The horrible, evil person will not win and turn me into a hateful person.  Instead, I will choose to follow the example of the teachers and principal. I will let good prevail!  I will do small random acts of kindness.  I will give a hug to a tearful person that can't grasp this tragic event.  I will help another in a time of need.  We need to all make the world a better place.  We can do this by letting good prevail. Are there children in your life or inner circle who could use an extra hug or smile?  Look around you everyday this season for chances to better your community, neighborhood and town.  Let the love of Christ flow through you.  Let him prevail in all we do.
        There are stories coming out of Newtown, Ct.  of a man with his English Bulldog and he is saying my bulldog gives free hugs.  He is helping heal hearts one hug at a time.  What can you do?  There are so many of us touched by this horrendous act of violence. We all need to see the good in the world again.  We also need to know that peace, happiness and love can and will prevail!
      Once again I would like everyone to know my heart is so heavy and full.  I am a mother of 8 kids and I am holding them a little tighter and spending more time with them.  We are never garunteede tomorrow so I will value today for as they say today is the present.
       I wish all of you prayers of healing and comfort.  I am so thankful for all I have and am so blessed to have my loved ones close.  I pray for the families and will do all I can to support and uplift them.  Please comment on what you and your family are going to do to make this world a better place.  Thank you and prayers!

Keep Christ in Christmas!

   I sat in church this past Sunday watching my boys pass the Sacrament and a tear rolled down my cheek. I was so overwhelmed with love and gratitude.  My sons know what it is like to serve their Lord and Savior and truly love him. Sunday mornings used to be a tug of war.  I would fight to get them out of bed and then to get them dressed.  If they attended their Sunday School and Young Men classes it was extremely rare!  Now, they are usually the first up and well dressing is another issue but they willingly go to class and pass the Sacrament.  I am so grateful for their commitment and love! Their love shows so much in their actions on Sunday and I am so blessed to be their mother.
      Just the day before Zachary, my 15 year old was watching his father fill out Christmas cards.  My hubby, aware he was being watched wrote Merry XMas!  My son said ,"Dad, you need to fix that!"  Dad said What? Well you just took Christ out of Christmas, Dad.  We don't do that in this house!  My husband erased it and grabbed the pen and wrote in bold letters "Merry CHRISTmas!" In order for us to keep Christ in Christmas we must simply drop the last syllable!  President Monson stated this just recently!  I really liked that so instead of Merry Christmas it would be Merry Christ!  Wow!    I can't imagine anything better than that!
     I do know that too many times in the past I have focused on the gifts and presents.  Making sure that all the kids had what they wished for and would have lots of gifts to open.  This year is going to be a little different. Our space is limited and we have 6 kids at home. We asked each one what they really wanted this year. So, we are getting all their one big gift and then something for their soul. The second gift is going to be something just for them. Something I know that will bring out one of their spiritual gifts the Lord has given them.  You see in my family we have a chef/mechanic, a jewelry maker/artist, a dancer/poet, a gamer/computer whiz, and two special spirited boys. I want to provide them with a gift that will bring these things out in them. I also am encouraging all of our kids to give back this year. We have already donated clothes to various people and now I want them to give of themselves. We are planning to do something on Christmas day for the homeless in our community.  There are so many of them and this has really pulled at our heartstrings.
       We also give every year secretly to a friend, neighbor or total stranger. You see we love to do the 12 days of Christmas "Cole" style. We sneak up on the porch or front step and leave a little something usually with a note.  Then we usually watch for their reaction. We have done this for years and this truly brings our family great joy! We are in a new area this year and this is proving a little more challenging out here in the country. We will find a way and still do it though!
       I feel the spirit of Christmas needs to be one of total and absolute selflessness. It truly is better to give than to receive! Christ gave us so much and I know I personally could never return the debt that I owe him. So, I will try to pass on his spirit of love to everyone I meet.
       I would love to challenge everyone to truly have the love of Christ in your hearts this season. Give more than you take. Love those who you ordinarily would pass by. Forgive someone who has wronged you or hurt you.  This is the season of Love and Hope and New Beginnings!  Lets do what we can as individuals to spread the Light of Christ in this dark world.
       I would love if you would leave a comment on things your family does or has done to keep Christ in Christmas!
     

Simple Act of Kindness!

  I post videos a lot as I feel so much through music.  There are so many times my heart is so full and I cant figure out how to convey to you what my soul wants.  So, I seek it out in music.  Please watch this video and then read the blog!

      All of these people discovered simple little Acts of Kindness. There are so many times in our daily life that we can extend simple kindness to our fellow human beings.  By doing so we are doing a few different things; we are blessing others lives, we are blessing our lives and we are changing the world one simple act of kindness at a time.

      Remember the boys in this video? Well my boys do stuff like this all the time!  They are now 13 and 15. I no longer have to remind them to do these things it is just part of their daily life. A part that I taught them through example and service to their fellow man.  

      Our family is choosing to do a lot of Simple Acts of Kindness throughout this Christmas season. More so than we normally do.  How do you start you ask?  Well it is super easy.  It is not hard to do at all.  Keep your eyes and ears open to those around you.  The Lord will put people in your path daily who could use that little act to help them believe in humanity again!

       The world has become a very cruel and ostentatious place to live.  Most of us look at people on the street as low lives who need to get a job and pay for themselves and quit begging. Well did you know that most of us are just 1-2 paychecks away from this ourselves? Some of these people didn't choose this life.  I was talking to a homeless person just yesterday and he doesn't want people to hand him money.  He wants to work for it to eat. He is embarrassed of the way he looks because he is dirty and knows he doesn't smell good.  he started coming to church.  I say hello every time I see him. He is my brother in Christ.  Who am I to judge him?  It is my wonderful blessing to help him when presented , correct?  Well , it presents itself every once in a while.  Just the other night we went to the town Christmas parade.  There he was sitting on a bench downtown.  I stopped and asked where he would be later and he said right there as he could read under the light when it got dark.  The boys and I went to have pizza and we saved him two slices. We all had shared one pizza and with two teen boys that was a feat in itself. We then watched the parade and the boys never once asked if they could eat the two pieces.  We then went downtown and he was there like he said. We gave him the pizza and he was very grateful.  It was honestly nothing to us.  But everything to him.  I'm not telling you this to blow our own horn.  Just to help you open your eyes and your hearts!

     Here is another homeless man sitting under the tree. Is he begging no he is not really.  He was making palm roses and was giving them away to anyone who helped him.  What did he want? Just help to get home for Christmas!   I really didn't have anything to give him but my boys where on it.  They had allowance money in their pockets!  This was the day after we fed the other man pizza. I went to sit down and they said they'd be right back. They proceeded to put their money together and buy this man dinner. They then just placed it on his backpack and walked away. They hid and waited to see his reaction.  He was happy and surprised and ate like it had been a while since he'd eaten.  

       Once again I am not bragging just showing you another act that presented itself to my family.  This one I didn't even know about until the boys told me they would be back. I watched them and tears rolled down my face.  We were all blessed by this act.

        I ask in this holiday season that you all keep an open heart and mind about you .  Do small acts of kindness when you feel inspired to. Don't ask for anything in return just say Pay it forward someday. Remember random acts of kindness are to be selfless acts of the heart to lift someone up and give them hope.  It does not have to be monetary at all. It can be simple things like a smile, a hug, giving up a seat, holding a door open, or helping an older or handicapped person with their groceries.  Keep yourself open to the spirit who will guide you to where you are needed.  Be an example to your kids, family and friends. Hopefully, we can all make this world a better place with one simple, random, act of kindess!

The Ride

Sometimes its all about the ride!

     I want you to look at this picture of my 5 kids that I homeschool on a daily basis( my three oldest are not pictured).  Keep in mind that 3 of my older children are not pictured ok?  Now, what kind of day do you think we were having?  As you can see my son who is 14 is driving this truck.  No, its not our truck and no he is not licensed.  Yes, it is on our farm and he only was moving them to the fence to hop over it from the truck.  What you cant see is the 8 acres of flood water that kept them from walking around the fence.  You also cant see how they fought me that morning to get their school work done and get dressed in "farm" clothes to go out and work. They also look happy right?  Well yes, in this picture till they hopped the fence and had to hoe the rows and plant the seeds.  Mind you our garden is about an acre.  What is my point?  Sometimes in life we have a rough road to go down.  There are bumps and turns and sometimes we may even end up in the ditch or stuck in a rutt.  What is the important part is the journey to where we are going.  You see it is in the bumps and turns that we learn who we are. We learn to have faith and to believe in ourselves and the Lord.  We learn if we can just make it to the top of the hill it will be all downhill till the next hill right?
       Looking at this picture I just see happy kids.  I see little Devon telling me in sign that he loves me.  I don't see the last two years journey I had with these kids.  You see not all of them are my natural born children.  Some of them came to me down a different road.  I call it the "Broken Road".  I thank God for that road. Each child has taught me a little bit about myself and showed me that I can love flesh that is not of my flesh.  Some of these kids have some major special needs and were kids noone wanted in the foster care system.  We were foster parents for 6 years and adopted some of them when we left foster care.  We were the last stop for them.  They were headed down a road to institutions.  One was 3 and like a wild animal. It was a super rough road we went down. One didn't want to let anyone get close. They constantly would push away and cause chaos and contention.  Another just has a ton of behaviors and destroys everything they can get their hands on.  If I would of gave up on the road we where on and took a detour , our family wouldn't be this size.  I would be minus some of my children.  I so often thought it would be easier to detour.   It is not easy to raise someone else's kids. Especially, after they have gone down so many roads and usually without parents.  The kids I adopted where raised in the system.  They didn't trust, love and where constantly moved from home to home. Still we choose to go down the road with all of them.
      This put our family on a new road. One I had no clue how to go down. My natural born children loved their new siblings but you see, there is a bit of jealousy.  Birth order changed, numbers changed. We doubled the amount of kids from 3 to 6.  I went from 3 teenagers to 5.   We also decided to move from Ohio to Florida for a new start and also for my health.  We are on a new road.  It has been an adventure to say the least.  This past Thursday as I was cooking Thanksgiving dinner it hit me like a ton of bricks. We have had a wonderful journey to become the family we are.  It has been a rough few years and honestly that is putting it lightly. We have all laughed, we've cried, we've experienced so much and all together.
       This picture doesn't show half of the journey it took to get to this point.  I however have it etched in my heart.  When I looked at this picture I finally saw a love between all the kids. It was a rough road but oh so worth the journey!

The Power of One

The Power of One

The power of one is the power to spread love to a million people from a single heart. be that heart; be that one. spread love to all those around you. change our world. 

     All of us have the ability to be the one to change something in OUR world.  What pulls at your heart strings?  What is within your reach to change or affect?  What do you believe in the most?
     These are all questions that have been in my heart since Saturday.  I often write my blog Sunday after church and just didn't feel ready.  I kept coming back to the Power of One.  I had no clue what this was or what I was suppose to even write about.  Then I started looking at my life and the power of one in it.
     My life you see has had a ton of rough patches.  I remember the one who every summer loved me unconditionally, opened her home to a wild and crazy child and loved me like her own.  She bought me toys, clothes, taught me how to cook, clean and in later years how to shop and be a great mother.  This "One" was my Grandmother.  Years later I was her power of one as I watched her pass from this life to the next just us two alone in a hospital room.  We needed no one else as we had each other.  I held her hand and cried gentle tears and was so thankful I was the "one" she choose to share the end with.
      In my teen years there was the "one" rough and tough Marine Master Sergeant at my High School Marine Corps Junior ROTC.  He believed in me when I didn't believe in myself.  He never gave up on me and encouraged and lifted me up.  I ran away from home at 17 and he was the "one" who helped me increase the communication with my family to let them know I was ok.  I otherwise would of just walked away.  He showed me that a teacher can love and open there heart and truly believe in me without hurting me or taking advantage of me.  He was my power of "one".   I often wander where I would of been if he hadn't instilled in me the discipline and respect and stick-to-it-ness of the Marine Corps. He also taught me so much pride in myself . I was drill team commander and Battalion Commander.  Some of my greatest memories are of those times.
        Flash forward another five years.  I worked on a cruise ship in Hawaii.  I had another wonderful blessing by a sweet man named Bobby Baron.  He was a power of one to me in so many ways. I was a lost 20 year old who just wanted to find my eternal mate and was looking in all the wrong places.  He told me to never give up.  He knew I would find my mate and that he would be better than anything I ever imagined.  He listened to my heart breaks and my desires. He never judged or degraded me.  He was my sweet best friend.  He was like a brother to me.  Him and his mate where always there loving me and lifting me up.  He was my power of "one."
        Years later I gave birth to a sweet tenacious little girl.  She changed my life.  I knew I now had to be her power of "one".  I changed my life .I learned to focus on the bright future and not on my torrid past.  I returned to college, graduated with honors and worked hard to provide for her.
        I married my eternal mate shortly afterward.  I went about things backwards but he honestly is the biggest power of "one"  I have had in my life.  He is always there loving me and lifting me up.  We have been together for 16 years. Longer, than I spent with my own parents.  We had 3 children we created and 3 we adopted.
      Years forward we became foster parents.  Yep, you guessed it , we became a lot of children's power of "one".  You see we took the children noone wanted or could handle.  We got numerous teens straight out of juvenile detention.  We never judged or discriminated.  We loved them all and showed them what it was like to be believed in.  We choose to uplift them and be their "one".
    It now has been 6 months since we quit foster care. I look to my community and my business to be someones power of "one". I try to feed the homeless or hungry when the Lord puts them in my path.  I try to smile at a stranger when I see they are having a rough day.  I am there to help if I see a need. I have taught my kids to look for opportunities to help others and be someone else's power of "one".
     So, I understand now what Power of One means.  I've been living it and experiencing it my entire life and never knew.  Until, this past Saturday when the Lord whispered it to me so I could share it with you. Why did I share this? So now you can go into the world and be someone else's Power of One.  Also, thank those that where your Power of One through out your life.  It is amazing what one person whose heart and soul is in the right place can do to change a life .

Bless The Lord All My Soul

Bless the Lord All My Soul

     I write today with a very full soul.  My heart is overwhelmed at the devastation that  Hurricane Sandy has left in her path. So many thousands of people have lost everything. So many are without just the basics of life.  Water, Food and Electric. It is just so heartbreaking.  However, in this time of adversity my soul is filled with the beautiful stories of love that are coming out of this horror. The family from NY city who has bilge pumps and is pumping basements out for free.  Breezy Point residents who are helping eachother and binding together.  All the churches who have sent supplies and volunteers to help their fellow citizens. A brewery plant in GA who shut down an alcohol producing line to can water to send to Sandy survivors. Down to the children who are sending their extra toys and allowance to help other kids affected by the storm.
   I know that some of the people in the areas hardesst hit by Sandy are angry and hurt.  Some are determined to rebuild and others are thankful to be alive. I do know that storms are a necessary thing in life.  They help us appreciate the calm.  I'm talking about getting back to the basics of life.  Remember how after 9-11 we all hugged our kids a little tighter?? Everyone had a flag on their car, their lapel, we all sang God Bless America? Even congress sang God Bless America together. There where no Democrats or Republicans at that time.  We where all Americans.  I feel so broken hearted for the people who have lost loved ones and all their homes and possesions.  I do feel however that the Lord does have a plan and will help them to rebuild their lives .  They will be better and more blessed in the end.  I know if we endure to the end the Lord will take care of us and watch over us.
     Sometimes, I think the Lord gives us storms in our life to see if we will still have the faith to cling to him.  Its easy to have faith when all is well in your life isnt it?  It is hard when all is lost.  I pray for the victims of the storm and pray they will still worship him.  I pray our country will continue to lift up our fellow citizens and love them through this horrible storm in their life.  I pray that we all take a moment to be there for each other whether we can see the storm our fellow man is  going through or not.  Some of our neighbors are going through their own personal storms in life.  We need to always worship him and be his disciple and always help his sheep. No matter the storms...

Peace

     What does peace mean to you? Often we see lots of symbols of peace.  I automatically think of the peace sign.  I have learned recently what peace truly is.   Here is the wiki-pedia definition;"Peace And Love is a state of harmony characterized by the lack of violent conflict and the freedom from fear of violence. Commonly understood as the absence of hostility, peace also suggests the existence of healthy or newly healed interpersonal or international relationships, prosperity in matters of social or economic welfare, the establishment of equality, and a working political order that serves the true interests of all. In international relations, peacetime is not only the absence of war or violent conflict, but also the presence of positive and respectful cultural and economic relationships" 
     Looking at the Lion and the Lamb is honestly the truest form of peace. It says in the Bible that the Lion and Lamb will lay together with out any ire when Christ comes again.  often wondered how on Earth is this possible? How can the Lion who is agressive and a meat eater lay beside his prey the sheep? Then I realize thru Christ anything is possible. Also, if you realize in the scriptures how often are the people referred to by Christ as his flock or sheep? So in a way it says to me that we will come at peace with our enemies right?
    How to we gain peace in our lives and hearts when life seems to be so busy and hectic? As a mother of 6 there are times that there is so much contention amongst the kids it is unreal.  I continuesly tell them we need to get rid of the contention in our home. We stop and pray and read our scriptures.  It is a daily and sometimes hourly thing. If we can teach our children to be peaceful and kind to their siblings they will learn to gain peace in their hearts also. I think we must also provide our children with peaceful quiet moments. Not constantly rush and have every hour packed full of activity. Don't get me wrong I do believe idleness is not a good thing but moments of silence is golden. Teach your kids when they pray to finish and sit quietly for a few moments to listen to the still small voice. In this moment they will receive their answers and  promptings.  I feel the greatest gift we can give our children is peace and happiness.  Teach them to seek it out in their own hearts and lives.  Then they can spread it to the world and who they touch with their lives.
   We also learn peace by loving and serving others.  We must show kindness and acts of love every where and every time the opportunity arises. Through gentle, kind and true acts of service the Lord will bless you with peace and happiness in your life.  I'm not talking about doing it because you have to or doing acts because someone is watching.  I'm talking about listening to the spirit and acting on it any time and any place you are prompted too.  I would like to share with you a story of my kids.  This is not to boast what so ever. Our town was flooded back in June and their are so many still affected by the flood four months later. Our Bishop called late on Friday to see if some of the kids could help him clean out two flooded homes.  Mind you their Dad and two older siblings where not home so my two 13 year old's had to answer the call.  They were getting picked up at 7 am and they said sure.  Well, you can imagine what houses that have been filled with water in the hot Florida sun for four months must smell and look like.  Yep, you got it.  They where armed with respirators and rubber gloves.  They quickly and joyfully helped.  These people had no one that would help them pick up the remains of their lives after the flood waters had finally reseeded.   My children where deeply affected by seeing everything these people had thrown into dumpsters!   They told them they where thankful they where ok and not hurt in the floods.  They told them about our church, their belief that Jesus Christ has a purpose in everything he does.  That we may not know   exactly why we are put through some of the storms of life that we are,but that the Lord knows why.  We often learn from these experiences, it may not be immediate but it will be learned when the time is right.  The kids then walked from the first house to another and saw that there was a tree down in the yard between the houses.  Their was an older couple who had the major part of tree chopped up but there were large branches everywhere.  They felt prompted to stop and help this family.  They got the tractor and helped load it with the large pieces , stacked them and then proceeded to get the branches and cut them up. The family asked the kids why they are doing this hard work on a wonderfully beautiful Saturday morning.  My kids told them that they love to serve others and it makes them happy . The people were very touched and asked more about our church.  They were familiar with us but wanted to know more.  My kids told them how much they love Jesus Christ and serving his people.  They told them they didn't want to wake up at 630 am on a Saturday morning but their Bishop asked for help.  They said if someone asks for help from us our Mom taught us to act as though Christ himself is asking.  You wouldn't tell Christ no so we had to do it. The older couple was shocked. The kids then told them goodbye and that they had to go help their neighbors clean out their house. They proceeded to help the other family. The Bishop was walking by and the older couple stopped him and gave him a check to donate to the church. He explained we didnt do it for the money, it's not even expected.The service is done out of love for our fellow man.  In this service we receive peace and happiness in our hearts.  The kids, Bishop and two other older gentlemen cleaned out two houses and helped with a tree on a bright sunny Saturday.  They worked from 7-4 and where so full of joy when they came home.  They blessed the lives of these families and let them know that there are people out there who love them and care even though they are all strangers. The kids brought peace to these families.  They will be going back every Saturday until the task is done.  Honestly, they can't wait.
      I know I kind of got off the track I started towards with this blog.  I write usually on Sundays shortly after church and I honestly write what I feel the spirit wants me too.  So, you will see some days I start off with one subject and end up on another.  I apologize for this.

      I do feel that we can get more peace in our lives if we love our neighbor and enemy selflessly.  We must forgive our enemies.  We can't have the spirit with us at all times if we also have hatred or anger in our heart.  When we are facing the storms of life that is when we need to pray for peace.  I pray that peace be with you and pleace spread it through out the world when you feel prompted too!  Remember to Praise God in the storms of your life.  He gives them to you so that he may love you through them!
     

Did you think to Pray?

Did you think to Pray?

 Today school started off rough in the Cole house.  I had kids bickering, arguing and contending with one another.  They even where arguing about not finding the dogs leash. I woke up in a great mood until I started hearing them.  Dad had got them started on school with out me .  So, I had them all come in living room and started to ask what the heck is up? I gave them the same words of guidance I as a mother always give.  I ask them if they think the spirit can reside in them when they have contention? I also tell them that this could all be gone tomorrow.  We are not garenteed  a tomorrow or even a later today.  One of them could be gone in an instant.  I make them all apologize and hug.  Then it comes to me, I ask, "Did you all pray at the beginning of school today?"  I honestly already knew the answer. They said , "NO, why?"  I said, we always start with a prayer and a scripture.  I then preceeded to look up the hymn online "Did you think to Pray?"  I was pleasantly surprised when I saw that Charly Pride sang this. I have sang this in church so many times and loved it.  Never did I realize that good old Charly had sung it.
     My children said a prayer, we read a scripture.  The mood in the room changed drastically.  Mind you I have 5 teens in the house so yes, this is a miracle.  I was so thankful that they where able to feel of the spirit and see how much a simple prayer can change a situation.
    I know our lives are so busy and we are always rushing from one activity to another. How many times throughout our day do we complain about this or that and dont do anything about it.  We have the power right in our own hands to change just about any situation. All we have to do is pray.  It does sound simple doesn't it? I know in my life there have been lots of times that I have only prayed when I have been in dire straights. I never thought my ordinary trials deserved the Lord's attention.  Now I know he is always there and wants me to communicate.  He wants to show all of us how he can change our situations and lives.  So, tomorrow when you wake up ... Don't forget to pray!

Mercy

Mercy
 I absolutely love this hymn by Grace Nowell Crowell
Because I have been Given Much

  Because I have been given much, I too must give.

Because of thy great bounty, Lord each day I live.

I shall divide my gifts from thee with every brother that I see,

who has the need of help from me.

Because I have been sheltered, fed by thy good care…

I cannot see another’s lack and I not share-

my glowing fire, my loaf of bread-my roof’s safe shelter over head,

that he too may be comforted.

Because I have been blessed by thy great love dear Lord,

I’ll share thy love again according to thy word.

I shall give love to those in need. I’ll show that love by word and deed,

thus shall my thanks be thanks indeed.

There are times in our lives when we feel down and out.  We fail to take a look at our lives and all the blessings that we have. Take just a second and ponder all that you have been given. I think you will find it is "MUCH" more than you realize.  Do you have a family, healthy and happy kids, a roof over your head, food in the cupboards, a spouse that loves you, shoes on your feet, clothes on your back, a table to eat dinner at, a bed to sleep in??  If you do have all these things you are blessed, if you have some of these things you still are blessed.  

I watched the news last night and my heart sank when I saw the story of a sweet little girl who went to school one day and never made it home to her family here on earth.  It made me take stock in my children.  Sometimes, yes they get on my nerves and fight and argue with each other. The messes they make and all the no's I tell them or the million times I ask please pick up your clothes are so precious. Somewhere out there is a poor Mother whose arms ache for her little girl. A mother who wishes her daughter would leave her clothes in a heap on the bathroom floor just one more time.   

I am so thankful for all that I have been given. There where times in my life when all I wanted was to have a family. I wasn't suppose to have children .  The Lord blessed me with three natural born children, I inherited two by marriage and we adopted three last year. I learned that his will , will be done in his time.  His mercy is great.  We need to learn how to extend our mercy to others around us. You need just to take a look in your own neighborhoods and communities to see someone who hasn't been given much. Sometimes it is a simple smile, a hello, a phonecall, or just an " I was thinking about you how are you doing?" to make the difference in someones life. The world we live in needs more humanity and mercy in it.  I know that it is my duty to give much because I have been given much.  I hope you can join me in this journey also.  Please try to do a small act of mercy this week and tell me about it if you choose.  Thanks and have a wonderful day!

Looking Fear in the Eye

    I was given a wonderful opportunity to go out to General Conference for my church in Salt Lake City, Utah.  I always wanted to go there but never have been given then opportunity. I had to overcome quiet a few obstacles!  You see I am totally terrified to fly now a days!
     We where to leave at 5:30 am on a Saturday out of Jacksonville which is a two hour drive. I was unable to sleep the night before for fear of leaving our six children alone, flying on a plane, the plane crashing with both their parents on it, fear of being to big for the seat, fear of getting sick in the air, and fear of everything!  I finally fell asleep about 3:30 and was up at 4:30 am.  Our friends arrived at 5:30 am and we drove to Jacksonville. I tried to tell them I was scared to death and they just kept telling me it would all be fine.  Yep, sure!
      We checked our bags in and proceeded to security check in... WHAT?? This is not the airports of twenty years ago. Yep, that"s how long it had flown.  I removed my shoes, placed everything in the little plastic bin and then followed my hubby.  Next, was a scanner, say what??? Get in , put your hands above your head. I'm thinking, ok, someone is seeing all this... naked?? Really??? I was upset and then they told me to get out and I had to wait on a matt with two yellow feet. My hubby went on, then our friends where waved on. I asked if I was done and they abruptly told me NO!!  Then a woman came over with gloves on and they are saying over and over left knee, left knee. She proceeds to fell up and down my legs, lifts my pants up.  I ask what are you doing?? TThere is metal in your left knee showing up on the screen.  I have no metal in my knee that  I know of.  Then they wave the wand over my legs again and she checks it. They let me continue on.  We all joked about my left knee.  Our friend then got the pleasure of having her purse totally emptied out and searched. Let me tell you her purse was about the size of a suitcase.  I honestly didn't mind any of this as I know they are just keeping us all safe!  I just found a ton of humor in it!
     Next comes the wait for the plane.  There was a young girl flying out to SLC alone and her Mom started talking to us.  Funny thing she was going to the same connection as we where in Denver and on to Utah.  So she tagged along with us.  Then they called us to board.  I squeezed my hubbies hand hard. We got seat belt extenders and boarded the plane. He proceeds to tell me we will be fine.  I say about 10 prayers and then the plane prepares for take off. Now , let me tell you I was terrified.  It shook and was super loud. I have flown a ton in my life and not sure why I'm so scared anymore.  I squeezed his hand till it turned purple, I kept asking why are we still going up??? LOL  Then about 10 minutes later we hit turbulence! Alot of it!  The plane shook and dropped and yep, I screamed.   This went on for about a half hour.  It then calmed down.  We landed in Denver and it felt like we weren't going to stop.  But, we did.
       The flight to SLC was rough also.  I did enjoy the city.  The trip back was hilarious!  We where on a plane that was totally booked. My hubby and I are not little people by any means.  We where crammed into a row with a sweet young college kid who probably only had like half his seat and was so nice about it.  The hour long flight we bounced like crazy.  The pilot was at 39,000 feet and then tried 3\, 35, and went back up to 30.000 trying to find a smooth place to fly!  To absolutely no avail!   I felt like I was going to puke.  The flight attendants weren't allowed out of their seats till last 20 minutes of flight.  I also had to go to the bathroom.  I screamed and was clinging to my hubby's arm with a death grip. Our friends kept asking where I was .  They where a few rows ahead of us. I was scrunched all the way down in the seat. Mind you I am a 5'10" tall woman and weigh well I'm a big girl.   Our landing was even  rough the plane actually cavatatted from the harsh landing.  he reversed the engines like crazy and we weren't sure if we where gonna stop.  All in all we did arrive safely, I discovered that no matter what I'm still terrified to fly and that my hubby loves me a ton.  He volunteered to hold me if plane went down and I could use him as a cushion.  I have never been so happy to have my feet on the ground before.  Actually , never really thought of how I loved the ground before.  I am thankful for all the prayers of mine that where answered! lol

     I am so thankful we where able to go to Salt Lake City and I am thankful for my true pilot in life Jesus Christ!!

Disposable Camera's

    This is a silly look into a funny moment with my hubby. We are preparing for a trip out west that we both are sooo excited for. I tell him honey, I need a new sd card for my Droid so I can take good pics and post on fb and my blog.  He says ok, "I'll stop and get you a disposable!" I said, "Are you serious, those went out in the 80's", I would feel so out of place with all the iphones..lol I then proceeded to say , I can see it now... Taking pictures of the Great Salt Lake City Temple and seeing an Apostle or Prophet and saying hey can I take your pic?? Pulling out my handy dandy disposable camera and then taking a pic...click.. click...then wind...wind... oh can I see the pic?? They ask.. nope its a disposable oh, can I get your autograph, here sign my camera... oh no wait, I have to turn it in.. I continued to say "Oh shucks honey I would be soo honored if
you got me a new disposable camera, do they even sell them anymore???" We seriously laughed and giggled.  So, anyone have any disposable camera stories?? I realized with this convo that our cell phones now have replaced alot of gadgets we used to have; camera's, video camera's, calculators, watches, books, games (now have apps), address books, and I'm sure the list goes on.  It is amazing how things change so gradually and items of our past soon are forgotten.  Items we once valued and treasured now are gone.

A New Journey Begins

     This is a new adventure for me.  I've always dreamed of writing a book.This is the new twist to book writing.  A blog ... sweet!  Ok, about me and my crazy life.  I hope you are ready...
     I have 8 children, yep 8, two step kids that are grown with kids of their own, three natural born, and three we adopted last year.  I was a foster parent for about 5 years and adopted my kids out of our home.  Those where the craziest and most frustrating years of our lives.  The Lord new what he was doing though.  Sorry, I digressed.  anyway, I know live in sunny Florida and home school 5 kids.  There are two of them that are sever special needs it is a crazy life but I wouldn't change it for anything.  Here is the fun part my kids at home are 19, 15,14,13,13, and 7.  Groceries fly thru our house like water. I'm always looking for new and simple recipes.
     I plan to post recipe's, homeschool hints, some herbal advice and pain coping straategies and any other tidbits or words of wisdom from a Mom who just is a Mom!  I would love to help inspire and uplift other Mom's like me.  When you go thru your day today I want you to remember the Forget me Not flower.  Remember you are a precious gift of our Heavenly Father , you are his child and he loves you.  I look forward to our journey together.