Just Hear Those Sleigh Bells Ringiling.....

Joel and I had an early Christmas! Some of our best friends for the last twenty years came to visit us this weekend, all the way from Stem, NC. You know the kind of friends that are always the same? You can go years without seeing each other and when you get together it seems like it was just yesterday.

They came on Saturday morning. We drank coffee by the fire and caught up on some things and then headed to Carrabbas for lunch. Yummy! Need I say more? Nick and Hillary were able to join us as well. After lunch we headed toward the Billy Graham Library. We toured the library and enjoyed seeing all the memoriabilia. One of my favorite quotes said, "Yes it has been a privelege to know some of the great men and women of the latter part of this century. However, most of my time has been spent with people who will never be in the public eye and Yet are just as important to God as a Queen or President. God's forgiveness in Christ is available to all of us, no matter who we are." Billy Graham

Wow, that is humility! Let's face it, most preachers we know have some ego, others alot of ego. The same way that Jesus came humbly to a manger, this man remembers where he came from!! He was raised on a dairy farm. His family called him Billy Frank. He has taken the milk of the Word to more people than any other known evangelist! We ended our tour in Ruth's attic. A splendid place to shop.

We had a great time. By the time it got dark, and cold I might add, we drank spiced cider as we waited to ride the carraige rides. It was only appropriate that we would meet people from the other side of the world, Ethiopia, in front of us as we waited our turn. Then we allowed "Cordilla" a 12 year old horse to carry us on a beautiful ride. You really could hear those sleigh bells just ring, jing jingiling! Merry Christmas Everyone ~ All because of a Baby Boy

A Long Time In Coming.....

Thursday December 10th, 2009 was a day not to soon be forgotten. I'm pretty sure the wait was about 23 years, 5 months and so many days. That beautiful little girl that I gave birth to on July 9, 1986, graduated from college. Rachel Morgan Langley......the same little girl that would not let anyone teach her to whistle, tie her shoes, blow a bubble or ride a bike. No, she was too independent for that. In the same way, she is still VERY independent! It might have taken her a lil longer but by golly she did it......all by herself! Not that her family wasn't available or praying for her, believe me we have prayed over this young woman more times than I could count. For those of you who don't know, God has special plans for her! Therefore, the Enemy has never relented in throwing hurdles for her to jump. Being human, we ALL grow tired and weary at times, so it took Morgan a little longer.......but she finished strong.

Now, we look forward to writing the next chapter in her life. We trust that as she walks by faith that God will continue to reveal His plans for her life. We love you Morgan and are very proud of you!! Always remembering you in our prayers ~

His Mercies Are New Everyday

Most everyone knows that the month of September brought many exciting emotions to Joel and I. While we were away at Biltmore, for our 25th wedding anniversary, Hillary and Gina were doing a bedroom makeover for us. I was completely surprised.....I mean, had NO idea. There were so many lovely things that were birthed in that project, but I want to share one of my favorites.

I am a tummy sleeper. Even when I was pregnant, I slept on my tummy!! When I wake up in my "new bedroom", this is what I open my eyes to see. Five beautiful frames that are each unique and individual. All different in shape and size. The Lord quickly spoke to my heart, reminding me first that I was not in a bed and breakfast, this was my room!! Then as I looked at each frame I was reminded of His mercies. Each day they are new, and it is up to me as to how I fill my day. Those frames hold the pictures I paint with my life, by the grace of God, each day. I pray the best are yet to come as I walk more with Jesus and try to become like him every single day.

"Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, 'The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.' " Lamentations 3:23-24

Responsibility

I begin by apologizing for my long standing break!! Alot of water has gone under the bridge. I have several ideas in my head for future blogs, but for now I just want to say I am sorry. I take full responsibility for my slothfulness. I have so much to share and be thankful for!!

I have been thinking (I know, some of you thought you heard thunder right?) ....when did it become the "norm" to refuse to take responsibility for your actions? Do you know how many marriages could be saved, families be restored, and healing of every sort take place if we would just be responsible?? Many times I want to yell out, "It's okay, no one is perfect....in fact, for a moment in time, even Jesus wasn't perfect.....when he took on the sins of the world." His heavenly father had to look away from Him. For crying outloud, can we just say we are wrong??? Then do whatever it takes to take responsibility for it!! If we are going to fail (and we are) then lets fail forward.

So with that said, I am responsible for not blogging! I refuse to feel guilty....just gonna learn from my mistakes. Indeed, a recipient of His amazing grace! Always grateful!

Mi Casa es Su Casa

Friendship is the most awesome gift! Almost 20 years ago, Joel and I walked into a worship service at Bay Leaf Baptist Church in Raleigh, NC. There sat this attractive woman and two beautiful blonde headed girls. She had a girl on each side and was prepared to keep them quiet during the service with crayons, etc... She introduced herself as Pam. Her husband was out of town flying a plane for United Airlines.

Since that time an incredible amount of water has gone under the bridge! Pam is my BFF! It never fails, everytime we get together it is just like we have never been apart! She has left the states to live in Thailand for a few years as Dennis flew over there. We have had our share of tears, prayers prayed and answered, dealing with difficult choices our children have made, a love for missions (however I'm not an Asia fan) and weeks together watching the shoreline of North Carolina come and go. The beach memories are strong! Along with the gift of hospitality Pam has been given. She loves to cook and I might add is very good at it! She always makes you feel like it was nothing! Whereas, I will throw out paper plates if you are lucky enough that I actually cook!!! I always come home feeling inspired!

This beautiful home, built in 1901, has had the privelage to know Dennis and Pam. They have done an incredible job! Such visionary people, creative, and they love the Lord! I'm always at home when I'm with Pam. Most of all, they have taught me about being generous! They give not only of their money, but time and heart to all they do. I pray the day will come, even if they are over seas on the mission field, that I will be able to give a week (or two) at the beach to some awesome family that just can't afford it....in honor of my BFF, just so I can say, "Mi casa es Su Casa." I love you Pam ~

Fun Fridays

I always look forward to fridays. It's a fabulous (as my sweet friend Gina always says) day because I ussually get to spend it with Joel. Most of the time he is off on fridays. Somethimes we waste the day or just enjoy being together......but NOT TODAY! Days like today are a homeschool moms dream come true.

Everyone has their "To Do List" made out for them. They spend all day getting little things done. Then, by the time supper rolls around, the house is clean, dinner is on, laundry is finished, the car is washed, the oil changed, a movie rented for after dinner, the bills paid, my hair is colored, etc.... It's awesome! Now we can just sit and watch our movie, "Nights in Rodanthe," a perfect Valentines date!

So now, lets fire up the grill, put the steaks on.....and chill out! I'll let you know about the movie later!

All You Need Is Love.....na..na...na...na

I can't belive the month of February is here! (I'm thinking it should still be around the corner) Some call it the Love Month! So in light of a recent text conversation with my son, Thomas, let me let you in on a secret! (Sshhhhh) He initiated the text by saying, "I think I know what I'm gonna do next in my life" to which I'm thinkin working on your masters, but for the sake of the text (and the tone) I say, "What would that be?" He continues to inform me that he may apply to be on "The Bachelor", he's praying about it. The rest went like this............

Me - I can only see one problem with that

Thomas - What would that be?

Me - You could not support her financially at this point

Thomas- Ahhh that's ok...u shouldn't love for money anyway

Me - I will pray with you about that

Thomas - Sweet...pray for the best women ever!!!

So, I taught him well huh? Of course, we don't love for money...he learned that one the hard way, but it does help pay the bills!!! Gosh I love that young man....so I say, put feet to your prayers and fill out the application and send it on it's way...Go for it! All you need is love!