A Call for Prayer

The elders of our church, Hope Church, have made a devastating decision to release our pastor. We are all grieving in the wake of this news. Pastor David Ball has been in our experience a genuine, godly, convicted, humble & on-fire for the Lord man. We have seen nothing in his character to believe any differently.

"You will know them by their fruit. Do men pick grapes from thorns? Do men pick figs from thistles? It is true, every good tree has good fruit. Every bad tree has bad fruit. A good tree cannot have bad fruit. A bad tree cannot have good fruit." Matthew 7:16-18

We have had a lot of fruit born this year at our church. We've had more people receive salvation than the last 3 years combined. Our alters are full every Sunday with repentant hearts. We have been blessed.

The elders have been very clear that it was not a sin issue, but rather insubordination (Pastor Ball's not coming under their governing body). To be certain, I do NOT accuse our elders of any misconduct. I do not know all the issues & I will respect their ordained leadership. However, I believe it our duty to question our leaders.

It appears it was a power struggle & ineffective communication.

I believe that when God calls a pastor to a pulpit...that he is God's anointed one & that you must tread very carefully about closing God's prophet/mouthpiece.

There are many hurt, grieving and angry people. I pray that the enemy does not gain more foothold in the way that we deal with the days to come. We must speak peace & love one another even more than before. The devil would like nothing better than for us to be distracted from worshiping our Lord in such a precious season.

I pray a hedge of protection around Pastor David & his family. I also pray that for our elders & their families.

Please lift up our church - that God would swiftly bring repentance, unity, restoration & peace to us all. May God's perfect will be done.

"Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing." 1 Timothy 2:8

It's OK to say Merry Christmas, unless you're a U.S. Representative

I received this alert today by AFA.

According to a Dec. 12 memo by the House Franking Commission, congressmen in the House of Representatives are not allowed to wish voters a "Merry Christmas" or "Happy New Year" in mail and email.

Congressmen use their official franking privileges (using taxpayer dollars to pay for postage) to send mail and email to voters throughout the year. However, the Franking Commission, the six-member bipartisan group officially known as the Commission on Congressional Mailing Standards, told legislators that "Merry Christmas" is strictly prohibited.

In addition, the memo also noted that congressmen can't use their official social media pages to wish constituents "Merry Christmas" or "Happy New Year." It cited the Rules of Practice which also states congressmen cannot use "colors that give the impression of a holiday greeting."

A franking commission spokesman confirmed to The Washington Examiner that members of Congress indeed cannot wish constituents "Merry Christmas" in any official mailing.

"Currently, incidental use of the phrase Happy Holidays is permissible but Merry Christmas is not," said Salley Wood.

These rules do not apply to Senators.

---
My 2 cents: I'm appalled at this complete censorship of our leaders.

Let the Fun Times Roll.....right onto the floor

Make me a Blessing

“But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.“ Luke 6:27-28

Blesser or curser? Whether thought or deed….God sees the heart.

This verse is a tough pill to swallow. I have such a complaining heart. I’ve been struggling with being overwhelmed & frustrated. I’ve been praying that God would allow me to let go & really turn my heart around. It never fails that I forget when I ask God to change me; I might be tested to see if I really meant it.

God make me a lover, a blessing, & a prayerful woman.

time to update the header

Looking at my blog header.....I think a change is in order. I'll try to change it out before 2012 arrives. We need a new pic of our family. Drew has changed so much since then.........no more baby, all little boy!!

Varrrrrrroooooooooooommmmm - Drew's 2nd Birthday Party

Cars, Cars, & More Cars!!









I made the cake, cupcakes & all the treats this year. It was a lot of work, but really fun!!

Christmas Card Time

Photo Card

View the entire collection of cards.

23 months +

In less than a week, my little boy is going to be 2 years old. I can still remember his birth like it was yesterday. I wish that we could have given him a sibling this year, but God's plans are bigger than ours. I want to celebrate the life of my precious Drew for a few minutes & give an update of how full our life is with him in it.

Favorite toys: Cars, Trains

Inside activities:Painting, Coloring, Skipping, Singing & Dancing (& CARS!!) & bubble baths

Favorite Outside activities:
Playing with his dump trucks, picking up sticks, kicking leaves, drawing with sidewalk chaulk, giving the scarecrow high-fives, & jumping off the steps & porch, playing on the swingset & playing fetch with the dog.

Favorite movies:
Nemo & The Great Pumpkin (Charlie Brown)
(This is a little bit deceiving b/c these are the ONLY things that he watches).

Potty Time:
We're a hit or miss on this one. He loves to play & doesn't want to stop to go potty...so, we either do or don't. But he does use the potty at least once a day between school & home.

Appetite:
Drew loves food!! He loves anything cheesy!
Favorite Foods:
Spaghetti/Lasagna, hot dogs, chicken nuggets, butter beans, purple hull peas, green beans & rolls

Naps:
Drew is down to one nap a day (12noon-2pm) & goes to bed at 7:30pm every night. Routine has been a blessing in our home!!

Classic statements:
BIG stinky
NO (yes, we have hit the NO phase)
watch Nemo
Drew wa-wa (water)
BIG wellwoe car (for yellow school bus)
Matt car (any truck pulling a trailer)

Funny moments:
Wearing DaDa's shoes
Skipping through the house
Jumping off of EVERYTHING
Playing hide & seek
Feeding the dog when we aren't looking
Playing tag with the dog

Imitation is the best form of flattery:
My (kk) dad came a few weeks back & he cut some concrete blocks for us & broke the ends off with a hammer. Now, Drew loves to bust rocks with a hammer...& now likes to hammer in general.
David's folks came a few weeks back too & David's mom knocked a dead limb that was hanging in tree down with a stick. Now, Drew loves to hit branches with a stick...trying to knock the limbs off like Grandma did.

Beautiful moments:
Hugging the dog
Hugging & kissing his stuffed animals
Saying "A-MEAN" (Amen) after every prayer
Saying please & thank you
Running into our arms when he sees us for the first time in the afternoons/evenings
Wanting to be held in the mornings when he is still waking up
Of course, hugging & kissing us.......it doesn't get any better

I can't imagine life without our little guy. Life would just be pretty boring. We love you Drew & know that God has big plans in store. We pray blessings over your life.

26

Initiative #26 would amend the Mississippi Constitution to define the word “person” or “persons”, as those terms are used in Article III of the state constitution, to include every human being from the moment of fertilization, cloning, or the functional equivalent thereof.

Amendment 26 was defeated yesterday in the state of MS. I am saddened that our wonderful state was caught up in the sin that so easily entangles(Hebrews 12:1). The depravity of this world never ceases to surprise me. I made my stand on a public forum, and it was heart wrenching to do so. We are called to stand in the face of evil & fight the good fight (2 Timothy 4:7). We must keep standing. I am joyful in knowing that the eternal victory has already been won. I will hopefully stand on the side of the LORD our God in all earthly battles to come.

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Ephesians 6:13 NIV

I think the most disheartening part of this whole issue was the people that claim to be pro-life & Christian that stood against this amendment. My heart breaks for them & I pray that the veil will be lifted off their hearts & minds.

For the record:
• It would not eliminate birth control & contraceptives. It would only eliminate abortion causing contraceptives such as the RU-486 (morning after pill) & a few IUD devices. It would not eliminate the birth control pill.
• It would definitely eliminate abortion. (Yes, this includes abortions of pregnancies caused by rape or incest).
• It would not cause women suffering miscarriage to be arrested for murder.
• It would not keep a pregnant woman suffering from an ectopic pregnancy from life-saving treatment to save the life of the mother.
• It would not eliminate IVF treatments.
• It would eliminate the destruction of unused embryos.

There were so many lies dispelled on this topic. The amendment was not a set of prescriptive programs. It was, as ALL amendments, an overarching principle that would form the basis for future legislation. Our U.S. Constitution & the amendments to are all similarly vague. Our legislation is based on those principles & our judicial system refers to those principles when rendering decisions.

If you believe that God is the creator & giver of all life, then HE creates that life. There are tragic circumstances (rape or incest) that results in a pregnancy. The questions come down to this for me as a Christian: Do you believe that person that committed such a violent crime CREATED that life? Do you believe that doctors performing IVF are really creating that life? Or do you believe that God Almighty is the creator of all life?

“This is what the LORD says – your Redeemer, who formed you in the womb; I am the LORD, the Maker of all things, who stretches out the heavens, who spreads out the earth by myself.” Isaiah 44:24 NIV

If life doesn’t believe at conception/fertilization/cloning, when does it? Scientifically, once the egg & the sperm come together that is a new separate entity (with distinct & separate DNA from its mother & father).

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58

The tears and heartache that I've poured out on this issue are not in vain. The Lord is glorified in this moment.

I am grateful to live in a nation where we can vote our consciences. Even if the result is not what I would have liked, I am still grateful to witness so many at the polls to exercise that right.

Halloween Fun (2 Nerds & their Bully)

I know, I know......you're wondering why David & I didn't dress up this year...LOL

We had a great time at the neighborhood Trunk or Treat. We had 250+ kids come through!! It was so much fun & as you can see......Drew loved consuming a bit of candy himself :)

Halloween - Preview

Drew's school is having a fall festival today! His Halloween costume is too thick & warm for him to wear all day......So, I improvised!!

Meet Super Drew!!

Pappaw Visit

Pappaw Cauthen came for a quick visit last weekend. It was a lot of fun!! He got to go with us to a birthday party & of course.....we spent a while climbing on tractors!!

Keeney Visit

We had the best visit with David's folks last weekend. It was so great to see them again after only a few weeks between visits. I think each visit gets better than the last.

They brought Drew lots of goodies that his cousin, Thad, had outgrown. Let's suffice it to say that he LOVED IT!!

Blessing After Blessing

God has just poured out His blessings on us.

My car was the proverbial straw on the camel's back. My minute mind couldn't wrap itself around how I was going to get out of this. My spirit was broken. We reached out to our church family, friends and family for prayer.

I can boldly testify that God answers prayer!!

I can't tell you how wonderful our family is. While my car is still out of commission......God has used our parents that are thousands of miles away to reach out & bless us. We now have a loaner car for a period of time & some reprieve.

We can't praise God enough for His amazing provisions!! The power of prayer is an amazing thing.

My brother even showed up yesterday with his truck & trailer & hauled my car to a good family friend that is an honest mechanic back home.

Prayer Needed

We could use some prayer. My (kk) car's transmission went out. So, we could use some prayer for God to provide means to help us make it through yet another difficult hurdle.

Drew 19 Month Update

I tend to forget to do this monthly updates on Drew. So, before it's too late...here goes.

-Potty training has officially begun.
---Gone pee-pee in the potty (twice)
---Wears pull-ups or underwear (unless napping or nighttime)
---Loves reading our potty book
-Has begun to sleep with both Mr. Lion & Mr. Bear at night.
-Loves Thomas the Train
-Can say his name, which he pronounces "Dew"
-Can count to "two"
-Loves hotdogs, which he calls "Dot-dogs"
-LOVES, LOVES, LOVES......CARS
(He loves all cars, but has a new fondness for hotwheels/matchbox cars). He will carry 3-4 around the house for hours....& I mean hours.
-Is still as independent as ever
---Loves to brush his own teeth
---Loves to feed himself
---Loves to drink from a straw or cup (versus a sippy cup)
---Likes to sit at the dining room table to eat (not in a high chair or booster) or just to sit in the big dining chairs to play with his cars on the table
-Hates to wear clothes/OR loves to escape in the middle of changing & run around the house naked as a jaybird......not sure which one
-Loves to blow raspberries on Momma's tummy
-Loves to bounce on Momma/Daddy's tummy
-Likes to lay down on the floor & look under the furniture to see if there are any toys under there
-Likes to put on Momma's flip-flops or Daddy's shoes & walk around the house (don't worry no high heels)
-Likes to point out our neighbor's cats, which he pronounces "Dat"
-Loves to bounce on Momma & Daddy's bed
(He likes to ask to get "up" on the bed. Instead of up, he pronounces it more like "ugh", but we understand it.
-Loves to run & hide
-Loves to chase the dog around the house (much to Logan's chagrin)
-Started using two word sentences
--Example: "More juice, More Dot-Dog, Momma more, More Da-Da"

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles

Well, this post is mainly for the latter of the three afore mentioned forms of transportation.

Our family (dk) has had a bad streak of luck recently.

David's mom was in a car accident just a few weeks ago. Then, we found out this weekend that David's grandparents were in an accident last week.

Thankfully, no one has been seriously injured. However, it is definitely not without some complications.

Please be in prayer for our family that is having to work out the details of car shuffling, repairs, minor injuries, etc.

(The photo is of David's parents & grandparents).

Weekend of Fun

Here's a shocker: I (kk) didn't work an ounce over the weekend. Therefore, I'm well rested & relaxed. (Another shocker, David took a picture of me & Drew....I'm usually the one behind the lens).
We love playing outside. However, it is usually too hot to spend too much time outside lately. Drew doesn't seem to mind the heat & loves to watch the cars & trains as much as possible.

As you can see in the second image, we've been working in the yard. I wish we could make more progress. It's tough though. We try to work outside while Drew is down for a nap. So, it's never enough time. We could easily spend 20 hours a week in our yard........ if only I could get paid to work around my own house :)

Update: Drew has pee-peed in the potty twice now. So, hopefully we are making some progress. We aren't forcing him. However, we have made it a habit to sit him on the potty once an hour (except for naps & bedtime).

Mini-Arch Reunion on the 4th

Once or twice a year, I try to get together with a few of my girlfriends from Arc. School. Two of my dear friends have parents in my area......so, when we all happen to be around, we try to get together. We normally bring our hubbies & kids along.
However, this time I flew solo. My parents came to town & David stayed with Drew & my folks as I went & had some girl time.

As you can see, it was lots of girl time.....little girl time. It was so sweet to be around all the girls (Kelly & her daughter, Amelia + Lacie Carole & her daughter, Ragan Carroll). Those little girls were so sweet & loving. [I have to steal my hugs & kisses from Drew for the most part]. These girls were so precious.....love, love, loved it.

Thanks for great visit Gibby & L.C.!!

4th of July = Big Boy

Drew wore his first pair of big boy underwear this weekend. We only used them for a few hours, but he did great. We are in the early stages of potty training & we took advantage of the long weekend.

Here are a couple of cute pics of Drew & David that just make me smile. Look how cool they are!! You can't help but smile!!

New Beginnings

I want to send a warm congrats to two dear friends of ours, Anne & Steven. They are expecting their first child in December.It was bittersweet for us to hear the news. However, we couldn't think to two better parents for this new life.

As you can see, they will probably have a little redhead in their future.
This is a pic of Steven holding Drew at 3 months :)

Pledge

This article is deeply disturbing. I was shocked at the comparison to the Pledge with the Communist Manifesto.

In recent local news, a lawyer refused to say the Pledge in court & the judge ordered him in contempt. The judge has since been penalized and the lawyer was publicly apologized to.

Are Americans really that un-patriotic? It seems so. Why is this ruffling my feathers? Because I'm an American. My forefathers fought & died to give us freedom. However, they would be shocked that while they fought for that right, we now consider it in poor taste to even mention acts of patriotism.

Yes, I believe we all have the right to not pledge & even burn our flag. But when did we say that it's now "un-American" to be patriotic?! Why is it politically incorrect to show respect to our government, our leaders, our military, and our heritage.

America used to stand for something, used to symbolize something. I'm not sure we stand for anything anymore. Where is the line in the sand? When are we going to stop letting the vocal whims of a few dictate how the rest of us act? America used to be a superpower. Are are now "the land of the free and home of the brat?"

Sidewalk Chalk

Drew doesn't handle crayons very well. He prefers to eat them.

However, he does handle sidewalk chalk pretty well.......with the exception that he draws on everything & everybody (which is fine b/c it's not permanent/non-staining).

Of course, we got into the act too!!

Father's Day

Today, my (kk) family has lost a great love. My Mammaw has gone to celebrate Father's Day with her heavenly Father.





Please be in prayer for our family for the days to follow. Thank you dear friends.

Encouragement

Thank you friends that have been praying for us.....and have sent me the most beautiful emails.

A quote that was shared with me this morning, rang so true.....
“It does not have to be well with your circumstances to be well with your soul.”

We know that we are still healing from the physical, emotional, and spiritual wounds. However, we know that God is bigger. Our trust is in Him. Not once in all of this have we questioned God, asked "why us?", or faltered in our belief that Christ is holding us firmly. The hardest part has been the hurt of simply having to walk this path. We would not have chosen this for ourselves. Who would?

Psalm 23 refers to the valley of the shadow of death. I believe that's what we walked through. The shadow of death covered our circumstances. The shadow is now gone. However, the ache of it remains.

The financial stuff will work out. It's just money. We'll never have enough & it doesn't matter anyway because you can't take it with you. We've lived on much less while we were putting ourselves through school. We can do it again.

Thank you dear friends for lifting us up. Our hearts are full of love for each of you.

Crunch Time

With Medical Bills pouring in, we are in a pinch. We had a rather large yard sale 2 weeks ago & made enough to make a few payments on them.

However, in order to pay off one of our outstanding debts by the end of the year, we need to eat on $1/day. Looks like a lot of rice & beans in our future. As if going through the last several weeks weren't tough enough, this has sent me over the edge.

I am officially depressed.

18 Month Photoshoot

Foster Photography
If link doesn't work for you, here's the URL
http://fosterphotography.org

Click on the Clients Tab
P/W: Keeney2
(Password is case sensitive).

The online gallery will only be up for a week. So, check it out fast!!

You can see why we love our photographer!!

One thing is for sure, our baby is gone.......he is all little boy in these pics.
Our favorites are of Drew in the overalls....perfect fit for the location we chose.

18 month update

This photo is copyrighted by Foster Photography & is a sneek peak from Drew's 18 month photoshoot last weekend. You can see why we love our photographer! When all the pics are posted, we'll send out a link for all to see & enjoy.

Well, it's been a little bit since I've (kk) posted. We've been through some tough waters, but we are still afloat. Thanks for your all your prayers. God is good.

I thought I'd give an update on all things Drew. (I haven't done that in a while).

18 Months
New Love = Thomas the Train or "Choo-Choo"
Teeth Count = 17 (I think)
3rd Haircut = via Momma Karen
Clothes Size = 24months (2T in some t-shirts)
Diaper Size = 4 Pampers Cruisers
Favorite New Snack = Cheerios (the original, peanut allergies to all the rest)
Latest Fad = Smashing Bubbles (whether you blow them or in the bathtub)
Worst Upset = Washing his hair (ie, getting his face wet)
New Introduction = The potty (but he's not used it yet)
New Thing= saying "knock-knock" while knocking on a door with his thumb & pointing finger.
Affection = kisses on demand (well, about 50% of the time), hugs too
Night time buddy - snuggly lion, he loves to cuddle with it at night & in the morning
Naps = 11am-1pm & 5-7pm
Vocabulary = 2 word sentences (ex: Bye-Bye Choo, Nite-Nite Momma)

Drewisms:
Mo = More
Uh = Up
Balk = Ball (which means anything round: ball, peas, fried okra, eggs etc.)
Choo-Choo = Train, Thomas the Train
Bah-Bal = Bubble
Dah = Done (As in, "All Done")

Grandparents' Visit (April 2011)

We had a delightful visit with David's folks in April. Our camera was dead during the visit & I only have a few pics from my phone. I promise to do better next time. I'm glad that they have a camera & took some photos while they were here too.

It has become somewhat of a tradition for Drew to go swimming with Grandpa Dale & David at their hotel. Us girls usually just remain on-lookers. He usually loves the water, but this was his first time since last summer to get in a pool. So, he wasn't as excited as he usually is. However, he has been playing in a baby pool & sprinkler quite a bit lately........so, no worries, he is still our little water baby.

It was a short but great visit!! Hope we get to see Grandma & Grandpa again soon!!

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to both of our mothers, all of our grandmothers, sisters, and friends. We love all of you so much!! We hope you celebrated in style & had a great day!

The Gumtree Art Festival is always Mother's Day weekend! And like tradition, my pottery guy was there & I got my annual piece to add to my collection!! His stuff is amazing!!











On Sunday, we drove down to my (kk) grandparents for a few hours. We went to church with them, had lunch, spent a little time checking out Pappaws garden (Side Note: He sent me home with some fresh lettuce & radishes.....which made an excellent salad for dinner last night). My grandmother is not doing as well as anyone would like. However, my other grandmother has been in the hospital for a week. Please pray that she recovers soon.











For supper on Sunday, David took me & Drew out to eat at Oby's (an MSU favorite). We had a great time. Drew had so much fun (too much I think).

Devastating Weather Outbreak

Our power pole being snapped yesterday wasn't even the tip of the iceberg. David did a little storm chasing yesterday morning.

However, he was gathering friends and Drew moving from safe location to safe location. Tornadoes were popping up EVERYWHERE. He went and got Drew & his babysitter & her child from their home and moved them to another area. A funnel cloud was spotted in that area right afterward. I'm so grateful to have David's weather expertise in a situation like this. It was unbelievable the amount of tornadic activity that MS & AL (& parts of GA).

It has been absolutely devastating for so many communities. Lives lost, homes destroyed, cities ripped of their cores. All our friends and family are accounted for (we believe). However, not everyone has been that fortunate.

Our prayers and thoughts are with everyone touched by this storm.

Earlier Morning Weather

Power went out last night/this morning around 3 am. When the sun came up, we saw why......







This is a picture of the power pole snapped off directly in front of the house. Hopefully, they will get it fixed by tonight....otherwise, we're in a pickle.

David is storm chasing & probably took some great pics that we can post later.

Jim Cantore (From the Weather Channel) is in town.

Our babysitter already had to take her baby & our sweet Drew to the storm house once already this morning. They seem to be in the thick of it.

So, as you can see, the weather has been/is very eventful today.