Real Friendship

Some of my "out of control friends"!

Having lunch with friends is something I enjoy. During a lunch date with a girlfriend, our conversation gravitated towards Christian friendships. I was astonished to hear her concerns about the superficialness of relationships with Christian women. I, too, have felt the disconnection from some Christian women. I want to go much deeper than the typical, "Hi, how are you?". However, as a typical human, I just figured it was me. You know, its you, its me...

I have a past, my own story. I desire to share it with other women who will see where I have been and how far I have come from there. I want to share my experiences, my life with people. That is what friendship is about. I even would love to have someone to keep me in check with reality and pick me up when I fall.

How is any of the above mentioned possible if we remain superficial? How come it is so hard for us to get past chitchat and open up to share our lives? After all, Adam was lonely so God created Eve. We must be a social people, or we would not desire such a connection with people. We are created to fellowship, to have relationships. Why is it so hard for women in the Church?

Our society today, more than ever is me, me, me. It is difficult to not be sucked into the facade, but it is not God's way. God clearly tells us to go and make disciples of people (Matt. 28:19). Is that possible if we don't know our Christian family?

My friends, being a woman is a powerful gift from God. We, more than men, are chatty and social and desire meaningful relationships with other people. We are nurturing. Inside every woman is a hurt to share, a joy to proclaim or any of that in between. We can tell when women need women. It is cleverly called women's intuition. If we see a sister crying, lift her up. If we see a sister laughing, ask her to share the joke with you. It is our obligation as women, as Christians to share our lives together.

My eyes were opened that day during my luncheon conversation. I am thankful for that. It is not just me. I am not alone in my feelings and neither are you. Finding that out only made me realize how many people I encounter that I have no idea what they are going through. I need to seek a deeper meaningful friendship with my sisters. I encourage you to do the same. After all, truely knowing someone you will probably spend eternity with must have its perks!

First Day of School 2008

Today, along with many other parents, I welcomed back the new school year. After a rough summer, I thought we were probably all ready for school to start, but as it turned out, it was bittersweet.

Kailyn started jr. high today....6th grade. She asked us to drive her. Of course, it is an honor for a jr. high child to want her parents to participate in anything with them, so we drover her. I have to say, I cried a little. I just know she will make great choices and be such a light to people this year. She has grown so much over the past year. I can't wait for her to make a name for herself.

Cami started 5th grade...the big kid on campus. She rode the bus with her friends. I know she will be a great example for the younger kids. They will be watching her. I look forward to seeing what she chooses to become involved with this year.

Kaden began his school career today in Kindergarten. He wanted to ride the bus, but we insisted on dropping him off, especially since Kevin took the day off for the occasion. Karis sent a great postcard last week about letting your child go off to school and I could not read it without crying. I was not sure how I would be today, but I did better than I thought. He says he had a great day, but he is being rather secretive about the whole thing. Our little boy is growing up :-(.

Kenzie was thrilled to stay home with me by herself. We didn't get to do too many fun things today as she took a 3 1/2 hour nap. I didn't know what to do with myself.

Anyway, we are back to the school schedule, back to homework, early bedtimes, and little tv and computer time (yeah). I am hopeful for a great school year. I know that all three of them will be successful at whatever they do and put their all into their work and friendships.

We, truthfully could not be any prouder of any of them. The Lord has blessed us with some awesome kids!

Hawaii

I went back and looked at all our beach pictures from Hawaii after I realized it had been so long since we were last at the beach. I was just amazed to see how much our precious children have grown since then. They all look so different. This picture was taken on the Leeward side of O'ahu in July, 2006 a month before we left the island to move back to the mainland. They grow up so fast.

Madi

Many of you know that I have always wanted a fifth child. Since Kevin says "Are you crazy? We are done.", I've got the next best thing, Madi. We got Madi, our Yorkie on June 28th from a breeder in Conroe. She is the best dog we have ever had. She is sweet and playful. She plays catch, which is a first for any of our dogs. Although she still needs some help in the potty training department, she is just precious. She has completely converted me from a cat person to a dog person. Of course the kids love her too.

Look closely in the pictures. We took her to get her first hair cut and grooming done. Her groomer loved her so much, she even painted her nails to match her bows! How cute! Kevin thinks she looks silly with all her accessories, but how can you resist such cuteness?

I can do all things...

Over the last four months, our family has been put through a somewhat trying time. We have been separated as Kevin began his new job in Port Arthur 90 miles away. On the weekends he comes home, but during the week, he is away. The first couple of months were very hard on the kids...another move to a strange land, new friends, instability, Daddy gone, etc. We experienced sleeping problems, attitude problems, crying spells, anger, you name it. I have even experienced a bit of depression. It is hard to feel alone and to be left with all the immediate decisions of the house hold.
I told myself the other day, that when I was a Navy wife, I did this all of the time. Why was it so hard this time? Was it because I did not have my Navy wives to support me? They knew exactly what it was like to go through this kind of transition. Was it because I was not used to it any more? Perhaps it was the unexpectedness of this promotion. Then it hit me, I like it here. I have made such wonderful friends that I go to church with, one a former Navy wife. When you are prepared to move every 2 years, you don't get attached like you should. I allowed myself to get attached, deeply to people here. I am so thankful for that.
I know that the Beaumont area is not that far away and there will be many opportunities to keep in touch and see my wonderful friends. Today, I came across this picture of Kevin in uniform. All those memories hit me. God gave me the strength I have been asking him for, or maybe I just felt it. My favorite Bible verse is Philippians 4:13..."I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength". This is my reminder that I can do anything because God will guide me and give me strength. I can endure.
"Thank you God for opening my ears to hear you. Thank you for renewing my spirit today. I am so thankful for all that you have done for my family. Thank you for the friends I have met here, who will be in my life forever, as they follow you too. Please show me where you want me to go and where you need me in your work in the world. May I always remember what a privelige it is to be one of your chosen children. Please show me how to bless those who need to see you in us. Thank you so much for your son Jesus. In His holy and precious name I pray, Amen."
May you feel as blessed as you truly are today...

Kai's Baptism

Kailyn made the biggest decision of her life not too long ago. She decided to follow Jesus, to make Him her savior and dedicate herself to Him. What a blessed decision it was for us when she took this step! Kai is a wonderful example for those younger than her. We could not be more proud. She asked her Daddy to baptize her. He was so honored to participate in this event. As she came out of the water, all I could hear as the tears ran down my face was..."my chains are gone, I've been set free". Oh happy day...

Cami's Baptism

Cami made the decision in September 2007 to dedicate her life to Christ. She went through a baptism class with Karis, our Children's Minister at Southeast before she decided for sure. She knew in her heart she was ready, but on the parents' side, we wanted to be sure (if that is ever possbile). Cami chose to have her Dad baptize her, which was an honor for Kevin. We are so proud that she has dedicated herself to better the world with Christ as her leader. What a blessed day!

Beach Babes!

We have lived in Houston for almost 2 years and this was our first visit to the beach. We have been beach snobs after moving from Hawaii, but we have gotten over it. The kids enjoyed being back in the water so much. I must say that I did too. They all are very natural in the water. Kailyn and Cami had a great time boogie boarding, I did a little as well. Kaden and Kenzie enjoyed the small waves and, of course the sand. Kevin and I went hermit crab hunting and caught about 10. Let me be honest, I found a few, but I made Kevin go get them, just in case it was something else (lol). He even sacrificed his sunglasses to get a big one. Way to go honey. We actually brought 4 hermit crabs home with us as souvineers. They are kind of growing on me.

It was so wonderful to forget about all the hectic things that are going on in our lives right now and just chill out as a family, all of us together. Needless to say, we are worn out, but I am so glad we had the opportunity to get away for a couple of days and reconnect. There has always been something about the ocean that makes me sit back for a quiet moment and think about all the wonderful creations God has given us the privelidge to enjoy. I had a few moments to just sit back and enjoy some peaceful time with God, with the waves crashing in the background. What a blessing.

Galveston

Our entire summer has consisted of waiting to sell our house and move. We decided to take a break for a couple of days close by.

Galveston Trip 8/08

We visited Moody Gardens. We enjoyed spending one day at Palm Beach and another at the Aquarium (again). It is always fun to go see sharks!