sorry!

Until further notice, I will only be posting on my family blog.   I am hoping that this change is only temporary!  Thank you for always being so faithful...

See my family blog for an update.

you never know

A few of my friends came over to my house last night.  I wish I could say that it was just a friendly visit.  The truth is, they were here to support me through a very difficult time.  Although it is NEVER appropriate to share all of my personal information with my online readers, I will just ask you to pray for my family.

And I will leave it at that.

My parent's live across the street and have a pool in their back yard.  That is where we sat for a few hours talking to one another.  Under different circumstances, it would have been such a beautiful night.  (Despite the mosquitoes!)  Anyway, when they stood to leave, we made sure we pushed all of the pool furniture up against the house.  This is what prompted my dear friend to make the following statement.

'We just really want to make sure these chairs don't blow into the pool.  I know they are not calling for rain, but you just never know when a storm might roll in."

And I began to cry.

How painfully true that is.  We, as Christians, have no way of knowing when the wind around us is going to pick up speed and turn our hearts and our world completely upside down.  Take it from me.... find the Anchor and secure yourself  against Him.

Otherwise, you are likely to drown.

soon to be back to normal

I go back to work this week.  While I am sad, it's going to be a positive thing in the long run.  Not only have I not written ANYTHING all summer like I had planned, JP and I have been so lazy.  And it's not good. 

• I really do have lots to write about.  My family is stuck between two churches right now and I need to get those thoughts/feelings off of my chest and onto paper. 
• Although it's sad, God has used the trials of others over the summer to remind me of the blessings in my life.  I'd like to devote a blog post to that as well.
• Ialso think it will be fun to do a "Question/Answer" post. 

These are only a FEW of the ideas I've had over the past few weeks.  Once school begins for JP, (a week from Wednesday), I'll be back to writing every day.

And I am REALLY looking forward to it!  Thanks for hanging in there with me.

I need a routine

If nothing else, I have learned a few things about myself this summer.  One of the biggest things I found out is that I NEED ROUTINE AND STRUCTURE!  And it's funny because I've always thought of myself as someone who didn't need it.

But I definitely do.

You see, during the school year I work all day, come home, make dinner and do homework with my son.  Afterwards, I watch a little television with my husband while JP showers or takes a bath.  We read a book and they both go to sleep around eight o'clock (my husband gets up super early for work).  Once both my boys are down for the night, I sit at the computer and write, write, write.  I go to sleep and begin all over again the following day.  It works.  I feel productive.

However, the only word I can use to describe myself during the summer is L.A.Z.Y.  I am a total mess!  We stay up late at night and sleep in late every morning.  I have not written the first word of a devotion ( to be published anyway, I have a couple saved on my computer) AND I have done absolutely NOTHING to either of my manuscripts.  Awful, I know.  I thought it would be nice to offer an explanation as to why this blog has been so pitiful.

Oh well, I guess that's how life goes, right?!  I made all sorts of plans for myself and set several writing goals.  Yet here I sit having done NOTHING.  But you know what?  I do not feel the least bit guilty about that.  Mainly because I have done the following:

• Snuggled in the bed every morning with my son
• Watched Disney movies and Nickelodeon
• I've gone swimming almost every day with my son
• I've gone out on several "date nights" with my husband
• We've hiked/picnicked and gone to free movies
• I've gone to the lake with friends more than once
• I took my son to the beach for a week.

And the list goes on.  Thank God.  So while I have been less than productive as far a my writing career goes, if you were to ask my son, he would say that our summer has been a TOTAL success!


And in the end, that is all that matters.

praying for those in colorado

I shared a post on my family blog about the shooting in Colorado.  Please visit here to read the post.

home sweet home

JP and I arrived back in town last night.  We had a wonderful trip...I have lots to share.  Please hop on over to my family blog to view pictures of our time in Charleston.

As I said, I have a lot to share.  We went to church this morning with my mother.  The service was interesting, to say the least.  I have a behavior class I have to attend in the morning that lasts all day.  I will update with another post tomorrow evening. 

Please check back in with me!

beach bound

I am off to the beach tomorrow.  My son and I will be back on Saturday.  Not that this blog will be affected by my absence.  I have not been writing at all! 

Again, I'm sorry about that.

Actually, I'm kinda not.  I have enjoyed taking a break from my writing.  Don't get me wrong, I LOVE putting the pen to paper, (or fingers to the keyboard in this case), but just like my day job it has been a breath of fresh air NOT to stare at a computer all night long.

Alrighty, friends!  I hope you all have a wonderful week!  Feel free to follow my family blog for possible updates while we're gone.

update

Well, for those of you who have not given up on me I say thank you!  Our summer so far has been so much fun.  And very busy!  To be honest with you, I have put my writing away for a few weeks.  JP and I have been on the go.  And we have been having a BLAST!

God continues to give me devotional ideas and I have them stored on my computer.  I just have not sat down to write them out.  I will get around to it.  For now, however, I am focusing on my family and enjoying my time off work.  Once I print these last few devotions and put them in my folder, I believe I will have the 40 pieces needed for my manuscript.  All I will have left to do is add a few scripture references and a prayer to a few of them. 

I am planning to attend a conference at Furman at the end of this month.  I will carry what I have of my manuscript with me and hopefully meet an agent or publisher that will allow me to share my work. 

I am truly sorry for the lack of blogging.  I hope that you continue to keep up with our family on my other site.  We are heading out in the morning for Tennessee for the weekend.  I will do my best to finish my writing so that I have something to post next week.

Until then...

oh how he loves us

During Vacation Bible School a young child walked up to a sweet servant of a lady who was leading a craft activity.  "My mommy loves me so much,"  he said.  "Well, that's just wonderful.  And how do you know that?"  she asked, looking forward to his answer.  He simply said, "Because she tells me all the time."   This is actually a true story.  I spoke with this teacher yesterday in the grocery store.  She was moved to tears as she re-lived that precious moment. 


I am so thankful we have a Father who tells us "all the time" how much He loves us in His word.

 "See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.  The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him."  1 John 3:1

One of my ALL TIME favorite praise songs is How He Loves Us by David Crowder Band.  I strongly encourage you to listen to the words if you have not heard them.  The lyrics are powerful and moving.  I cry every time I hear it. 

"....and we are His portion and He is our prize

Drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes

If His grace is an ocean we're all sinking

And heaven meets earth like an unforeseen kiss

And my heart turns violently inside of my chest

I don't have time to maintain these regrets

When I think about the way....

He loves us!"



What a beautiful picture. 

Thank  you, Father, for your unconditional love!



crunchy taco shells

A few nights ago I enjoyed a much needed girl's night out!  In my absence, my husband made tacos for dinner.  He did well.  His only complaint was when he opened the box of taco shells, he found that most of them were broken.  Or at least cracked.  Later that evening, I told him that I was sorry the shells were not in one piece.  " It's okay," he said.  "It's not like you can tell from looking at the box."   

This is true.

And isn't this also true with people?  I cannot always tell by looking at someone what is going on with them on the inside.  I am a firm believer that God intended for us to have relationships with others.  One of my churches many motto's is, "Don't do life alone!"   I love that.  I cannot imagine what I would do without the love and support of my family and friends.  In this day in time, I can see how it can be difficult to make REAL friends.  With that in mind, allow me to offer some practical suggestions...

• Get involved in a church:  I do not have the time, (nor the space), to list all of the reasons God intended for us to BELONG to a local church.  One of them, however, is so that we do not have to do life alone.  It is the perfect place to meet people and build relationships.
• Find a hobby:  Get off the couch and find something you like to do!  Whether it's a sport, or a craft, figure out where your talent lies, (because you ARE talented), and tune in to that.  And then, your next step is to find others in your community who share your same interest.
• Start a blog:  Before you snicker at this one, just hear me out!  I began my family blog five years ago when my husband and I were struggling through our adoption process.  At first, it was a nice past time.  A journal of sorts.  Then, one by one, I began meeting people through cyber-space who were traveling through identical trials.  To this day, I keep in touch with many of these families.  I have met several of them in person.  Because of our journeys, we will always share a common bond with one another.   And trust me, you do NOT have to be a gifted writer to begin a blog!  You will however find yourself blessed with the gift of lasting friendship. 
• Get on Facebook:  I know, I know!  This one sounds pretty silly.  You do not have to look very far to find articles on how, as a society, we are too technologically dependant.  There is a small part of me that would agree with that statement, but a larger part of me strongly disagrees.  Like anything else, when in moderation, I am a strong believer in technological relations.  It is the same concept of the blog.  I have connected and reconnected with SO MANY people through Facebook.  It has served as a wonderful tool and outlet for me to express myself.  And gain friendship and support while doing so. 

These are just a few ideas that have helped me stay connected to those around me.  It just so happens that I have an outgoing personality.  Making friends has never really been a challenge for me.  Having said that, I know that for some, this can be very difficult.  In that case, take a deep breath.  Ask God to calm your spirit and guide you.  It is SO important that you step out of your box.

Especially if  you are broken on the inside.

i understand

I was getting my son ready for bed last night.  No matter what I asked him to do, his response was a resounding, "NO!"  I was completely out of energy.  I could have forced him into time out or exercised other forms of discipline.  Honestly, I just didn't feel like it.  It was late and I was tired. 

Instead, I got up and went to sit in the bathroom.  Alone in the quiet.  This reaction was unrecognizable to JP.  It was not long before I heard the little pitter-patter of his feet in the hallway.  "Mommy, are you in here?"  His voice was barely above a whisper.  "Yes son, I am."  I responded equally as quiet.  "Mommy, I am very sorry for not doing what I am supposed to do.  I don't know why I don't listen.  I try, but I end up making bad choices." 

After feeling a little tug from the Holy Spirit, my only response was, "I understand."

^" I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.    And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good.    As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me.    For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature.   For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.  For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing.    Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it."  Romans 7:15-24

I guess I am more like my five year old than I realize.

prayers please

What a whirlwind of a day. 

My husband lost his grandmother this morning.  It is appropriate, I suppose, that on Father's Day she was united with her Heavenly Father.

Our family would appreciate your prayer support.  It is always difficult when you lose someone you love...

I wrote a post on my family blog.  You can read it, here.

life is good

I went to Publix after dinner to return a Blockbuster (Black-busturd, as my son calls it) Express movie.  I drove my husband's truck because I cannot listen to the Ipod in my car.  On the way there I cranked up Zac Brown Band's song, "Toes."   I know, I know!  But, I am a fan.  Their music always seems to whisk me away and drop me on a far away beach somewhere. in my mind.


There is a line at the beginning of the song that says, "Life is good today..."  I began to think about that.  Most of us do not have to walk too far before we stumble across negativity.  And at times I, too, am guilty of this charge.


In addition to my precious son, when I returned home from Guatemala I brought back with me a new found appreciation for my country.  Now, when I am tempted to complain about my surroundings or my circumstances, I try to remind myself of a few things:

• I have running water.
• I have a bed to sleep in at night.
• The roof over my head does not leak. ( I HAVE a roof over my head.)
• There is PLENTY food in my pantry and refrigerator.
• I have a car.
• I have heat/air.

You get the picture.


What do I really have to complain about?  And as children of God, we have even MORE to be thankful for!  This life is certainly not perfect.  But if you sit back and think about it,  Life is Good.  Every day.


I need to drive to Publix more often. 

good monday morning

If I have learned anything while walking down this path to becoming a (paid) writer, it's that it is a LONG, tiring, and overwhelming process.  It takes MORE than a lot of patience.  While patience may be a virtue, it is not a characteristic that I wear very well.  I tend to want things to happen overnight.  Immediately.  Unfortunately, becoming a published author does not happen that way.

This post is my sad attempt at explaining to you why I have been "slack" in posting my devotions.  There are several reasons. 

1. God gives me the ideas.  I only put them down on paper for Him.  So, I am on His timetable when it comes to the material.  I have a couple of ideas I feel He's given me, I just haven't been able to sort them out on paper.
2. In addition to the devotions, I am doing my best to keep my family blog up to date.  The JPBeamer blog is the site that advertisers pay me to write for.  And since I actually bring in a little money there, I have to keep it up to date!
3. I thought I was finished with the manuscript for my children's book.  However, I was given an idea from another children's author (who has been published MANY times) on a different way to end my story...it was an amazing idea, so now mom and I are having to re-write some of the book.  And, of course, that takes time as well.
4. While I am writing away, keeping my son entertained on a daily basis (while we're home for the summer) remains my #1 priority! 

I hope it doesn't sound like I'm making excuses.  I'm just PLAIN busy!  And every day I learn just how HUMAN I am.  I fail.  I screw up.  I procrastinate. 


I am painfully imperfect. 


I beg you to continue checking in with me on this site.  I will promise to post my devotions when I write them.  In the meantime, feel free to leave a message in the comment section if there are any topics you would like for me to cover, or if you have questions that I can help you with!


Every one have a SUPER Monday!!

beautiful

Now that I am out of school for the summer, I plan on spending each morning cleaning up around the house a little before my son and I head out to do something fun.  This morning, I was sweeping in JP's room when I came across a pile of cotton balls, and colored pom poms taped together in a big ball.  I quickly picked it up and walked towards the trash can to throw it away.  "Noooo!!!  Mommy, what are you doing?!"  His little voice screamed.  "I found this in your floor and I'm throwing it away." I said.

I have to admit, I was caught off guard when his eyes filled up with tears.  I asked him what was wrong.  "Mommy, that's not trash. I made it.  It's beautiful."   Now I won't sit here and tell you that I understand exactly what he made.  What I can tell you is that he was passionate about it. He was proud of it. And he made it VERY clear that it did NOT belong in the trash can! 


Needless to say, I left it alone.


The Holy Spirit used that moment to remind me that just because I do not find the beauty in something doesn't mean it's not beautiful.  And no matter who you are, what you look like or how you feel about yourself, God made YOU.  He's passionate about you. He is proud of you.  You are His creation.


And you're beautiful.




  

praise God it's summer!

Well, I am finally out of school for the summer!  There are no words to express how excited I am about that.  As I mentioned in one of my earlier posts, I was so busy the last few weeks of school, that I have not written anything at all.


Now that I'm done with my day job, that will change!  I have jotted down a handful of devotional ideas.  I will begin writing them some time today.  So, hang in there with me and thank you for being patient!


EVERYONE HAVE A FABULOUS DAY!

Things are officially in full swing for summer in my world!!  My last day of work for the summer is FRIDAY! 


Devotions will resume the following week!

i just love a child's mind

This was written by an 8-year-old named Danny Dutton, who lives in Chula Vista, CA. He wrote it for his third grade homework assignment, to 'explain God.' I wonder if any of us could have done as well?
(and he had such an assignment in California, and someone published it, I guess miracles do happen!)

EXPLANATION OF GOD:
'One of God's main jobs is making people. He makes them to replace the ones that die, so there will be enough people to take care of things on earth. He doesn't make grownups, just babies. I think because they are smaller and easier to make. That way he doesn't have to take up his valuable time teaching them to talk and walk. He can just leave that to mothers and fathers.'

'God's second most important job is listening to prayers. An awful lot of this goes on, since some people, like preachers and things, pray at times beside bedtime. God doesn't have time to listen to the radio or TV because of this. Because he hears everything, there must be a terrible lot of noise in his ears, unless he has thought of a way to turn it off.'

'God sees everything and hears everything and is everywhere which keeps Him pretty busy. So you shouldn't go wasting his time by going over your mom and dad's head asking for something they said you couldn't have.'

'Atheists are people who don't believe in God. I don't think there are any in Chula Vista. At least there aren't any who come to our church.'

'Jesus is God's Son. He used to do all the hard work, like walking on water and performing miracles and trying to teach the people who didn't want to learn about God. They finally got tired of him preaching to them and they crucified him. But he was good and kind, like his father, and he told his father that they didn't know what they were doing and to forgive them and God said O.K.'

'His dad (God) appreciated everything that he had done and all his hard work on earth so he told him he didn't have to go out on the road anymore. He could stay in heaven. So he did. And now he helps his dad out by listening to prayers and seeing things which are important for God to take care of and which ones he can take care of himself without having to bother God. Like a secretary, only more important.'

'You can pray anytime you want and they are sure to help you because they got it worked out so one of them is on duty all the time.'

'You should always go to church on Sunday because it makes God happy, and if there's anybody you want to make happy, it's God!

Don't skip church to do something you think will be more fun like going to the beach. This is wrong. And besides the sun doesn't come out at the beach until noon anyway.'

'If you don't believe in God, besides being an atheist, you will be very lonely, because your parents can't go everywhere with you, like to camp, but God can. It is good to know He's around you when you're scared, in the dark or when you can't swim and you get thrown into real deep water by big kids.'

'But. . .you shouldn't just always think of what God can do for you. I figure God put me here and he can take me back anytime he pleases.

in case you have not seen God today...

"So do not fear, for I am with you..."  Isaiah 41:10