"Jesus Calling" Day 3

I understand that we must give our burdens to the Lord and not let them break our spirit or faith. However, I am a little perplexed by these verses. Today's devotional says that we must learn to "hide in the secret of My Presence." I am not sure I completely understand this.....

Day 3:

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

"How great is Your goodness, which You have stored up for those who fear You, which You have wrought for those who take refuge in You, before the sons of men! You hide them in the secret place of Your presence from the conspiracies of man; You keep them secretly in a shelter from the strife of tongues." Psalm 31:19-20

Maybe this is saying that man or burdens cannot harm me as long as I follow the Lord and trust that he will protect me? I am not sure what this is telling me.......I could use some words of wisdom. Anyone care to enlighten me?

XOXO Pamela

"Jesus Calling" Day 2

"Relax in My Healing Presence......." is how my day starts as I read today's devotion. I have mentioned in a past post how we tend to be in a hurry to get things done, to go places or try to juggle too many responsibilities. Society today is consumed with having more, doing more, being more. I think as a society we need to slow down and remember what is truly important. Family, friends and, of course, God. We get so busy and distracted by "things" that we sometimes miss the what is most important in life. The Blessings. God. Faith. Love.

Day 2:

"Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always." Psalm 105:4

"She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”



 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:39-42


I think for so long I have searched for answers to my questions which no success. Maybe it is time to take a step back and try not analyze things. Stop asking "Why?" and just believe that this is the path chosen for me. Why do we question so much? Why are we always in a hurry? Why do we take on so much? So often, people live their lives stressed out and tired. People tend to take things for granted. What's the old saying, "Take time to stop and smell the roses." I was listening the the Zach Brown Band on my way home yesterday and one of their songs says ".....I ain't in no hurry, I'd be a fool now to worry about all the things I can't change....." These words are my new motto. Why hurry? I have my whole life ahead of me and so many blessing. Including my wonderful family that I have been blessed to have in my life. Thanks for loving and supporting me.

XOXO Pamela 

"Jesus Calling" Day 1

On my birthday I received the book "Jesus Calling" from my wonderful sister-in-law, Kasi. This book is a devotional book that guides you through each day. Sadly, I have not stopped and taken the time to experience this journey. I decided that I must start today! I have been through so many emotions in the past couple of years. Especially recently. I am not a crier, but I seem to feel the need lately to loose myself in my tears. I feel depression pulling at me more than I would care to visit that side of my emotions. I am usually pretty laid back and happy. When a co-worker mentioned that she "misses me" because I have not been myself lately and she wants the "Happy Pam" back I realized that I am letting this stress and sadness take over my life. I can't do that anymore. It is not easy to keep those emotions at bay, but not everyone can understand my position. My hope is just as Kasi wrote in the book, that this devotional journey will "touch me" and give me the faith, hope and strength that I feel I am lacking.

I thought that it might be a good idea for me to write my thoughts each day on the Bible verses I read. I would like to invite you all to join me on this journey as I work to find a way to trust in God more completely that He is on my side and has a plan for my life. Each verse will speak to each person reading it in a differnt way. Everyone has trials in their life and could use a little guidence. I hope that through my journey each of you will find answers to whatever may be on your heart at the time.

Day 1:

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - His good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

I am not that great a translating scripture. But I think it is about what the verse means to me and where I am in my life. The world is a hectic place and society has lost its way. I think we all need to let go of what the world thinks we should be and the things we should have in this life and let God back our hearts. Cameron tells me all the time that I worry too much about what others think. If I can let go of all of the needless "things" running around in my mind and fully open my heart and mind to God I think am sure that I will become a stronger person in every way. I understand that God has a plan for me in this life. I don't understand why my prayers have not been answered for a child. If God knows my heart and hears my prayers why doesn't he answer? Maybe it's not the right time. But when is the right time? So many questions. No answers. What I know and choose to believe from this point is that God does know my heart and my desires. He has a plan and some way, some how my prayers will be answered. I am trying to be patient and maybe that is my test from God. Maybe all of this is testing my faith.

"I will do my very best, Lord, to be patient and understanding that good things come to those who wait. I pray for strength and patience to understand the things that I cannot control. I leave my life in your hands, trusting that you do have a plan for me. I don't want my sadness to win control of my life. I must let go knowing that your protection is surrounding me and trust that you know what is best. This is not easy because I don't understand. But I am putting my heart in your hands and pray that you will help me understand. Amen."

XOXO Pamela

Spring Blooms

I thought I would share my beautiful Hydrangeas! It has taken a few years for my flowers to reach this status so I am very proud. I think I might plant some more bushes somewhere else and see if I can get a different color.

I tried to take a good picture of Kolby. You can just see the excitement in her face!!! LOL!

Oh well, she is still beautiful!

XOXO Pamela

Lately

I have been a poor blogger lately. I have good intentions of posting, but I just never seem to take the time to sit long enough to get things done. So I decided I should catch you up on all that has happened in the last month. So here goes.........

First, I will start with Easter weekend. Cameron and joined the Lankford family at the cabin for Easter lunch. What a beautiful day! We enjoy the company of several family members and some really good food. Cameron decided to take a ride on Glenn's Harley. It always makes me nervous when he gets on a motorcycle. I know that he know what he is doing, but I just feel like he is too vulnerable when on one of those things. Unfortunately, I did not pull out the camera so I have no pictures.

After lunch we went to my parents house for an Easter egg hunt. Zach was with his father so we did not get to see him until later that afternoon. I am used to helping the boys find their eggs, but this year they did not seem to need my help so much. Tyler and Alex are getting so big and more independent every day.

They love playing outside. However, while they played and blew bubbles we sat and got ate up by mosquitos! They always seem to bite you without ever knowing their doing it......

We did not get to see Little Henry for Easter this year. Maybe next year he will be able to hunt eggs with the family.

The very next weekend Cameron I went to my Grandfather Henry's 76th birthday party. Wow! 76 years and still counting. Henry has been through a lot in the past 18 years. He was diagnosed with cancer, had a heart attack and several heart surgeries along with lots of cancer treatments. I don't know how he does, but he keeps going year after year. I am thankful for that and thankful that he is still a part of our lives. 

Last weekend Cameron and I went to Destin, Florida along with Rhonda and Jerry for a little R & R. Jerry was a little under the weather so I am not sure he entirely enjoyed himself. We were still able to eat lots of good food and do a little shopping at the outlets. I think my favorite places to eat are........

and......

We ate at Dewey Destin's twice. I think it is by far the favorite spot in Destin. Though please know that there is nothing fancy about this restaurant. It is just a little shack on the bay, but the food and the view are wonderful. After lunch on Saturday (Rhonda and Jerry had already headed home that morning) Cameron and I decided to take a walk on the beach. We also found a great little park on the bay that would be an excellent swimming spot next time we visit.

We had lots of fun and I think I gained another 5 pounds! Now I am trying to catch up on everything else and thankful for a little down time. Soon we will be headed to the lake and making more memories. See you there......

XOXO Pamela



Spring Wine Tasting 2011

On April 15th we had our semiannual On the Tracks wine tasting in Opelika. We always have good treats and lots of people passing through our office. However, this year we had more rain and hail than people......

Though inside we had bouquets of fresh, colorful flowers and yummy snacks to keep us occupied!

We did not have a big turnout this year, but we made it through the night anyway (though it was really slow moving with nothing to do.....).

XOXO Pamela