The Prodigal Son

Do you know any prodigal sons or daughters? Were you once lost and now you are found? I love parables. I learn and tend to teach using stories. They are an universal language we all seem to understand. The song Run to You reminds me so much of the Prodigal Son the Bible speaks about in Luke 15:11-32. We are all lost without HIM! Thank you God for your sacrifice...

Run to You - Third Day
I was tired of waiting
Playing all the games and
Living in a place that was not for me
So I thought it was time
For me to get what's mine
And to do it all, everything I dreamed
What I thought was the best of me turned to be
All the worst I could find
If I run to you
Will you hold me in your arms forevermore
If I run to you
Will you hold me in your arms forevermore
Now I got a feeling
That I've got to leave and
Find a way back to where I came from
Though I don't deserve it
I know it's unheard but
Living here without you, my life is done
I confess that I shouldn't have run from you
Now I know I was wrong
Nowhere to run to
And no one to turn to I'm dying out here on my own
Long before I even thought of returning
Your arms are wide open
Waiting for me to come home

God Will Make a Way

Chance of a Lifetime

The past two weeks our family had the chance of a lifetime. We have been caring for a foster baby. He is absolutely perfect and is a constant reminder of God's goodness and power through the creation of tiny fingers and toes. Each member of our family has loved the baby in their own way. It was fun to have a few tiny new articles of clothing to wash the past two weeks. I've shared memories with each of my children about "when they were little". They seem to never grow tired of hearing about themselves as little bitties...

I've seen God through the eyes of my children and husband. The way they've loved on the baby, held him, and lovingly talked to him. So many questions about how long he will be with us, where is he going, can we see him again. Of course I have questions too. Who will be his mommy and daddy? Will they raise him up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord? Will they keep in touch? Will they send us Christmas cards? How long have they waited to have a baby? What will they think when they first meet their son?

God is using us to bring 3 families together. Through this precious bundle of joy, I've seen a glimpse of His power and divine wisdom. I'm overjoyed and forever grateful to have this experience. As I gaze into his sweet eyes, words cannot describe, my gratitude for the forever blessing this little guy has been to our family. It has truly been a chance of a lifetime!

Somewhere Over the Rainbow

This past Thursday, I was stopped in my tracks when I saw this beautiful rainbow in the sky. I literally pulled over and had to take several pictures. It was a brilliant rainbow with rich colors on a backdrop of pure blue sky. I thanked God for the reminder of His presence in this crazy world. Little did I know that a miracle was happening in that very moment. I found out the next day that a baby was born right around the time I saw the rainbow. Not just any baby...but a special life that will be blessing to so many. God works in mysterious ways...

What Can Faith Do?

This song really speaks to what God has been showing me lately. It is so beautiful and comforting. Listen to the song and read the words...POWERFUL!


What Faith Can Do Lyrics

Everybody falls sometimes
Gotta find the strength to rise
From the ashes and make a new beginning
Anyone can feel the ache
You think it’s more than you can take
But you are stronger, stronger than you know
Don’t you give up now
The sun will soon be shining
You gotta face the clouds
To find the silver lining

I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I’ve seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That’s what faith can do

It doesn’t matter what you’ve heard
Impossible is not a word
It’s just a reason for someone not to try
Everybody’s scared to death
When they decide to take that step
Out on the water
It’ll be alright
Life is so much more
Than what your eyes are seeing
You will find your way
If you keep believing

I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I’ve seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That’s what faith can do

Overcome the odds
You don't have a chance
(That’s what faith can do)
When the world says you can’t
It’ll tell you that you can!

I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I’ve seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That’s what faith can do
That's what faith can do!
Even if you fall sometimes
You will have the strength to rise

Arrhhgg! Pirate Party Fit for a Princess?

On September 26th, Macy Kate turned 7! When she told me she wanted a pirate party, I said yes without even hesitating...Complete with a treasure map, treasure hunt, and sweet treats this pirate party was totally girly! A full house of giggly, silly, girls was music to my ears and no one even had to walk the plank! Treasure clues below...good luck!

To get to Shark Cove, go through the 2nd gate
And look for the shade
If you work hard, You will get paid
Next is Pirate’s Rock, where you can take a ride
You’ll need this treasure, To one eye hide
At Lost Lagoon, you’ll surely get wet
If your ship has sank
Where would you go to walk the plank?
Arrrhhgg! No treasure here
Just trying to get you wet!
Pirates are tricky sometimes; we aren’t finished yet!
Now off to pistol point, look at the front door
After you turn right
And find yourself something shiny and bright
Off to the Pirate Party
We’re almost there
X marks the spot, I can’t find it, where?
Look to the birthday girl
Does she know where?
How do we get to that treasure?
Will she tell?
Give her 3 magic words PIRATE PARTY ROCKS!
And the secret will be revealed
Uncover that treasure and your bags will be filled!

6 Things I've Learned From My Children

1. Even if Tanner cleaned his room everyday, it would still be messy within 1 hour.
2. Tanner's room will always smell like freshly sprayed cologne.
3. No matter how many times I tell him, Davis will always take off his shoes and leave them on the floor right next to the designated shoe shelf.
4. I'll always have to monitor Davis' time on the computer.
5. When I tell Macy Kate to clean her room, I always end up doing most of it myself.
6. Macy Kate's art area will always look like an artist tornado went through it.

One day they'll be no more messy rooms that smell of cologne. They'll be no shoes to put on the shoe shelf (there probably won't even be a shoe shelf). One day there won't be 2 computers in my house...one for me and one for the kids. There will be no little girl's room to clean or art area to trip over...

When that day comes I'll thank God for all my precious memories and ask Him to help me find new ways to talk to, help, and love my children. I'll long for the smell of Tanner's cologne, I'll wish to see Davis taking off his shoes after a long day at school, and I'll ache for new art projects as refridgerator decorations...Father, thank you for today...thank you for the 3 blessings I prayed with this morning and dropped off to school.

Newest Heart Gallery Video

Heart Gallery Alabama Video from Heart Gallery Alabama on Vimeo.

The Triathlon

David and I recently participated in the triathlon at Callaway Gardens. It is double what we've done in the past and was a real challenge...but truly rewarding. I still remember when I looked at the brochure about a year ago and thought (out loud) I could NEVER do something like that! I still can't believe it. The best part was I got to do it with my best friend!

Heavy Heart

Watch the video and yours may be too. Not everyone can adopt but we can all pray for each one of these forgotten children. Born into a world of hurt, it just isn't fair...Take a peek into the children's eyes through The Heart Gallery.