We are now in South Carolina at my mothers house. Not sure if the time change is effecting my sleep but I am very worn out.....it could be all of the traveling and wanting to be home. Oh well, what ever it is God will get me through it, like he always does.
We have been here 2 days and the boys are already on restriction to their rooms for the day. When will the sibling rivalry end? does it ever end? We were suppose to go rafting today but that trip got canceled as soon as we got in the car to leave. I sure hope that they learn their lesson today!!! I am getting worn out with their attitudes. It will soon pass as all things do!!! (me being positive) Since they are restricted today the rest of us are just hanging out here at my moms not doing much of anything, that is why I am on this thing or other wise I probably wouldn't be writing right now.
For the past 2 days we have gone fishing & tubing, the kids have ridden the golf cart all around the property, we drove to Seneca and Clemson and saw lots of things and stopped at the botanical gardens on our way there we stopped at the self-serve produce market where we saw two loose pigs eating all of the corn and cantaloupe and anything else that they could find on the ground. For those of you city folk that don't know what a self serve produce market is let me explain.....it is where you pick up your produce and leave the money in a jar and the owner comes at the end of the day to pick up the money that was left. It is based on the honor system. That sure wouldn't work in many many towns in the U.S. That is a shame.
The kids are getting hungry so I need to go and get them lunch.
ALWAYS LOOKING UP~CHRISTINA~
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Saturday, July 12, 2008
late night
Well I'm up and its 2AM...yuck. I can not for the life of me go back to sleep after getting up with Bennett. So here I am on the computer trying to get tired so that I can get a little rest before the 4 children wake up in the moring wanting breakfast. Bennett is usually the 1st one up. It never fails.....he comes over to me while I am still sleeping and says, Mommy I hungy. I first try to get him to go back to sleep with me. Sometimes it works and sometimes it dosen't. Oh well one day he will be getting up and doing it all by himself and I will be wanting to do it for him. I need to enjoy each and every stage that I have with them!
Well the gulfarium trip went well today, even though it rained. That's ok though because it wasn't so hot! The dolphins and sea lions were great. Some of the tricks that they do are just amazing. I got a few pictures but not many because didn't want my camera to get wet. We went to lunch after wards and then layed down for a nap. (yes I took one too, boy did I need it). Then we spent the evening with Rhonda and her family. The food is always so good and the company even better. I eat waaaaay to much when I am here.
Tomorrow(today) we will be going to either the zoo or to the air show because the Blue Angels are in town. I haven't decided yet but I am leaning toward the zoo. I really don't feel like battling the crowds with 4 kids by myself at the navy base. After we do one of the 2 things in the morning Susan and her family are coming over to swim and hang out for a while. Then my sister and I and some friends are going out for dinner(hopefully for a celebration for her)
I am now a little tired and will head off to bed once again for the night. I sure hope that I can get to sleep. 6AM will be here before I know it.
always looking up~ Christina~
Well the gulfarium trip went well today, even though it rained. That's ok though because it wasn't so hot! The dolphins and sea lions were great. Some of the tricks that they do are just amazing. I got a few pictures but not many because didn't want my camera to get wet. We went to lunch after wards and then layed down for a nap. (yes I took one too, boy did I need it). Then we spent the evening with Rhonda and her family. The food is always so good and the company even better. I eat waaaaay to much when I am here.
Tomorrow(today) we will be going to either the zoo or to the air show because the Blue Angels are in town. I haven't decided yet but I am leaning toward the zoo. I really don't feel like battling the crowds with 4 kids by myself at the navy base. After we do one of the 2 things in the morning Susan and her family are coming over to swim and hang out for a while. Then my sister and I and some friends are going out for dinner(hopefully for a celebration for her)
I am now a little tired and will head off to bed once again for the night. I sure hope that I can get to sleep. 6AM will be here before I know it.
always looking up~ Christina~
Thursday, July 10, 2008
playing catchup
Well we are having a blast on our extended trip. As of right now we are in Florida. Today I took the kids on a dolphin cruise. At 1st the kids all liked it. Once we got out into the Gulf of Mexico Lanie didn't care too much for the boat ride anymore. She fussed a little bit and wanted to make sure that she was holding on to me tightly. We did end up seeing some dolphins about halfway through our 2 hour boat trip. It was very relaxing once the kids got settled down. This evening the kids stayed with Grandpa Mac while went out to dinner with my Aunt Kathy and Uncle Tony. We went to Old Bay steamer. That has got to be the best seafood restaurant in the world!
Tomorrow we are heading to the gulfarium and to the zoo with Grandpa Mac then we will be spending the evening with Rhonda and her family at their house.
I'm a little tired tonight and I need to make a phone call so I will go for now. Maybe...just maybe... if your lucky I won't wait a week to write on here again. HAHA Take care and God bless you all!!
always looking up ~Christina~
Tomorrow we are heading to the gulfarium and to the zoo with Grandpa Mac then we will be spending the evening with Rhonda and her family at their house.
I'm a little tired tonight and I need to make a phone call so I will go for now. Maybe...just maybe... if your lucky I won't wait a week to write on here again. HAHA Take care and God bless you all!!
always looking up ~Christina~
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Well our journey started last Tuesday and we stopped in MS 1st to see friends and family. We had a great time. The boys went fishing 2 days in a row and me and the little kids just took a tour of downtown. We all went to the river and the kids played in the water fountains that shot up out of the ground. They had so much fun. It was very relaxing. Its just what I needed after the stress that I had been under.
We arrived in Fl last night and spent the evening with my sister and her family. Today we will be swimming at the pool and taking them to the movies this afternoon. Tomorrow we are going horseback riding and Friday we are spending the day with the Roberts family at the landing to enjoy the 4th of July.
We came to back to Florida almost every year with Aaron to celebrate the 4th and our anniversary 2 days later. I'm not sure how I will handle being here without him but know that....with Christ I can do all things which strengthens me!!!
The kids are doing very well and seem to be enjoying themselves. I will post again soon, hopefully.
always looking up ~Christina~
We arrived in Fl last night and spent the evening with my sister and her family. Today we will be swimming at the pool and taking them to the movies this afternoon. Tomorrow we are going horseback riding and Friday we are spending the day with the Roberts family at the landing to enjoy the 4th of July.
We came to back to Florida almost every year with Aaron to celebrate the 4th and our anniversary 2 days later. I'm not sure how I will handle being here without him but know that....with Christ I can do all things which strengthens me!!!
The kids are doing very well and seem to be enjoying themselves. I will post again soon, hopefully.
always looking up ~Christina~
Monday, June 23, 2008
on the road again
Please pray for Samuel and I. We seem to be in a power struggle. I am having a hard time with putting my emotions aside therefore, I am being to lenient on him and letting him have to much responsibility and say so. It is hard to know when to be tough and the tell it like it is dad and when to be the sensitive caring mom. I have to keep telling myself he is only 11. he is only 11 HE IS ONLY 11!!!
Well.... we will start our newest journey for the summer tomorrow. Seems like lately we have been living out of our suitcases. I guess you could call us a well traveled family this summer. I am very excited about this next trip that we will be venturing out on tomorrow. We will be visiting family and friends in 3 different states for the next month. The kids are ready to go. They have so much fun in the car playing their game boys, leapsters, watching movies and singing to the music. I have really enjoyed driving to our places of interest. I didn't use to care to go many places, I guess you could call me a home body, but I think that I have broken out of that shell...ya think? With all this traveling and being away form Arkansas I have been really praying about what the Lord would have us do. Do we stay put or do we move? The kids seem much more well behaved when we are not in Arkansas. Not sure if it is because of all of the constant reminders of Aaron's death or if it is just because of a change of scenery. Whatever it is I like how we all get along when we are visiting other places.
I am planning on taking them to the beach, fishing, to the park, a water park, the gulfarium, a dolphin cruise, an Atlanta baseball game and many many other things while we are away. I don't ever want to say I wish I would have spent more time with my kids. God gave them to me for a very short time to train and at the same time I am training them He also wants me to enjoy them too!!
Always looking up ~ Christina~
Well.... we will start our newest journey for the summer tomorrow. Seems like lately we have been living out of our suitcases. I guess you could call us a well traveled family this summer. I am very excited about this next trip that we will be venturing out on tomorrow. We will be visiting family and friends in 3 different states for the next month. The kids are ready to go. They have so much fun in the car playing their game boys, leapsters, watching movies and singing to the music. I have really enjoyed driving to our places of interest. I didn't use to care to go many places, I guess you could call me a home body, but I think that I have broken out of that shell...ya think? With all this traveling and being away form Arkansas I have been really praying about what the Lord would have us do. Do we stay put or do we move? The kids seem much more well behaved when we are not in Arkansas. Not sure if it is because of all of the constant reminders of Aaron's death or if it is just because of a change of scenery. Whatever it is I like how we all get along when we are visiting other places.
I am planning on taking them to the beach, fishing, to the park, a water park, the gulfarium, a dolphin cruise, an Atlanta baseball game and many many other things while we are away. I don't ever want to say I wish I would have spent more time with my kids. God gave them to me for a very short time to train and at the same time I am training them He also wants me to enjoy them too!!
Always looking up ~ Christina~
Friday, June 20, 2008
My Birthday
Yesterday was my birthday...another year older and another year wiser, so they say. I had a wonderful birthday despite the hearing that took place regarding Aaron's accident. The day started with a hot relaxing bath, then I got ready for the hearing. After the hearing, Aaron's parents, my mother and my grandmother went to lunch. We came home and played outside with the kids, swam and had an awesome meal that my mom to cooked just for me. I received many gifts which was not expected. It was a very nice birthday.
I know that many of you are wondering about what happened at the hearing. Aaron's mom, Linda, got up on the stand 1st and spoke. I was next, a co-worker from the base that was Aaron's friend went and then his friend John, that went to Church with us and that was riding with him the day of the accident, went last. I was touched at how deep that Aaron affected the lives of his friends. After we were done there were a few people who spoke on her behalf. Her mother and a doctor spoke then there was a small recess. During the recess she decided to get on the stand. She apologized many times for what had happened and said that she would do anything that we wanted. She received a 500.00 fine and community service speaking at defencive driving courses and possibly for drivers ed courses at the high schools. It was not determined specifically what type of community service exactly but, she will have to do that. I am very happy with the decision that was made, it was exactly what we wanted. If her speaking to others will make people think twice about obeying the traffic laws then maybe that will save someone elses life.
After the hearing Her mother came up to me and apologized and I told her that I forgave her and that I wanted to talk to her. I did in fact do that. I thought that that would be the hardest thing that I would have to do but it wasn't. I was very calm and told her that I forgave her and that there was something that I did in fact want her to do. She said anything, I told her that I wanted her to go to church and that if I had to take her I would. I also told her that I didn't want her trying to take her life and if she tried again that I would be upset with her. I told her that even though Aaron's death has brought a lot of bad to our lives it has also brought a lot of good to and that she could be another good thing that could come from it. She asked me if I wanted her phone # and I said yes. I told her I would call her and she said "you promise?". I told her yes I promise. I hugged her and we both cried.
I know that some of you can't understand how I could have done any of this. It is only because of Jesus Christ being in and a part of my life that I could have ever done it. Jesus forgave me therefore I forgive. 2 Corinthians 2:7 ...... "You ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow."
We are all trying to bring some closure to our lives so that we can live for what is most important and that is for Christ. In Philippians 3:13-14 Paul and and Timothy wrote to the people.... Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Do not take this wrong I will never ever forget Aaron!!!! I choose to forget the accident, the trial and the mistakes that I have made since then.
Always looking up~Christina~
I know that many of you are wondering about what happened at the hearing. Aaron's mom, Linda, got up on the stand 1st and spoke. I was next, a co-worker from the base that was Aaron's friend went and then his friend John, that went to Church with us and that was riding with him the day of the accident, went last. I was touched at how deep that Aaron affected the lives of his friends. After we were done there were a few people who spoke on her behalf. Her mother and a doctor spoke then there was a small recess. During the recess she decided to get on the stand. She apologized many times for what had happened and said that she would do anything that we wanted. She received a 500.00 fine and community service speaking at defencive driving courses and possibly for drivers ed courses at the high schools. It was not determined specifically what type of community service exactly but, she will have to do that. I am very happy with the decision that was made, it was exactly what we wanted. If her speaking to others will make people think twice about obeying the traffic laws then maybe that will save someone elses life.
After the hearing Her mother came up to me and apologized and I told her that I forgave her and that I wanted to talk to her. I did in fact do that. I thought that that would be the hardest thing that I would have to do but it wasn't. I was very calm and told her that I forgave her and that there was something that I did in fact want her to do. She said anything, I told her that I wanted her to go to church and that if I had to take her I would. I also told her that I didn't want her trying to take her life and if she tried again that I would be upset with her. I told her that even though Aaron's death has brought a lot of bad to our lives it has also brought a lot of good to and that she could be another good thing that could come from it. She asked me if I wanted her phone # and I said yes. I told her I would call her and she said "you promise?". I told her yes I promise. I hugged her and we both cried.
I know that some of you can't understand how I could have done any of this. It is only because of Jesus Christ being in and a part of my life that I could have ever done it. Jesus forgave me therefore I forgive. 2 Corinthians 2:7 ...... "You ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow."
We are all trying to bring some closure to our lives so that we can live for what is most important and that is for Christ. In Philippians 3:13-14 Paul and and Timothy wrote to the people.... Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Do not take this wrong I will never ever forget Aaron!!!! I choose to forget the accident, the trial and the mistakes that I have made since then.
Always looking up~Christina~
Monday, June 16, 2008
a very difficult question
As I sit here and ponder the question that I am suppose to answer at the trial on Thursday I just can't hold back the tears. They want me to answer the question......How has Aaron's death effected our lives?....... Where do you start or end for that matter?
I have written lots and lots of things down to answer that question but will not publish it right now. After the sentencing on Thursday I might. I'm not sure.
I think that the only reason that I would is to make other people aware that they are putting their life in danger and others lives in danger around them when they make bad choices. I know that a motorcycle rider knows the consequences of riding a bike but, I don't think that they think that the consequences affect more than themselves. Well I have a news flash...IT DOES!!! It affects their entire family and lots of other peoples lives too. If I can make drivers aware that one small tiny bad decision can effect so many peoples lives then maybe, just maybe, they will look twice and slow down before they go about their way in a hurry. That would be the only reason that I would publish what I wrote.
Continuing to look up ~ Christina~
I have written lots and lots of things down to answer that question but will not publish it right now. After the sentencing on Thursday I might. I'm not sure.
I think that the only reason that I would is to make other people aware that they are putting their life in danger and others lives in danger around them when they make bad choices. I know that a motorcycle rider knows the consequences of riding a bike but, I don't think that they think that the consequences affect more than themselves. Well I have a news flash...IT DOES!!! It affects their entire family and lots of other peoples lives too. If I can make drivers aware that one small tiny bad decision can effect so many peoples lives then maybe, just maybe, they will look twice and slow down before they go about their way in a hurry. That would be the only reason that I would publish what I wrote.
Continuing to look up ~ Christina~
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
lessons and questions
As I started reading my daily Sunday School lesson yesterday it started off like this......."There may be no greater pain on earth than that which comes with the death of a loved one." Right then I wanted to put the lesson down. Immediately my heart started to hurt. I went on reading the next 2 paragraphs even though I really didn't want to.
When we lose a loved one weather it be a parent, grandparent, a child, a spouse or a dear friend, we all will grieve. We hurt and ache. We grieve over the unfulfilled goals, dreams, and desires that we have in this life because of that loved one being gone. It is like this is because death is so final.
We would think it would be different or that the pain might be less for those of us who are born again believers in Jesus Christ. The only difference is is that we know that our saved loved one is a far better place and that one sweet day we will see them again in Heaven. That does not lessen the hurt, aches, loneliness, and pains that we are going through and will go through while we are still here on earth. We know that we will never see that person again in this life and we will miss them terribly.
The scriptures are provided to help us grow and to learn to lean on HIM. I Thess 4:13 says..."don't grieve as do the rest who have no hope". See, we have the hope that HE will take care of us and that He has a mighty plan on store for our lives. One day we will see all of our loved ones again in Heaven that have a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.
There is nothing at all wrong with allowing ourselves to feel pain when we have lost a loved one. If we didn't then there would be something wrong. When we know Jesus Christ we know that he is there in the mist of the storm and that he cares there will be an element of trust and joy in our tears. HE will keep every promise to us that he has ever made.
I was informed by the prosecuting attorney a while back that at the criminal trial (next week)that I would have to speak on the behalf of our family. I wasn't sure why so, I asked what I would have to speak about. She told me that I would have to answer this question...... How has Aaron's death affected you and your family? In the middle of the lesson that I was studying the same exact question was presented to answer. It said ...How has the death of a loved one affected you? Wow, where do you begin and where does it end? I really have no idea! I could go on and on with answering this question. This will be a very very difficult day for me and our family in more ways than one.
Always looking up ~ Chrisina~
When we lose a loved one weather it be a parent, grandparent, a child, a spouse or a dear friend, we all will grieve. We hurt and ache. We grieve over the unfulfilled goals, dreams, and desires that we have in this life because of that loved one being gone. It is like this is because death is so final.
We would think it would be different or that the pain might be less for those of us who are born again believers in Jesus Christ. The only difference is is that we know that our saved loved one is a far better place and that one sweet day we will see them again in Heaven. That does not lessen the hurt, aches, loneliness, and pains that we are going through and will go through while we are still here on earth. We know that we will never see that person again in this life and we will miss them terribly.
The scriptures are provided to help us grow and to learn to lean on HIM. I Thess 4:13 says..."don't grieve as do the rest who have no hope". See, we have the hope that HE will take care of us and that He has a mighty plan on store for our lives. One day we will see all of our loved ones again in Heaven that have a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.
There is nothing at all wrong with allowing ourselves to feel pain when we have lost a loved one. If we didn't then there would be something wrong. When we know Jesus Christ we know that he is there in the mist of the storm and that he cares there will be an element of trust and joy in our tears. HE will keep every promise to us that he has ever made.
I was informed by the prosecuting attorney a while back that at the criminal trial (next week)that I would have to speak on the behalf of our family. I wasn't sure why so, I asked what I would have to speak about. She told me that I would have to answer this question...... How has Aaron's death affected you and your family? In the middle of the lesson that I was studying the same exact question was presented to answer. It said ...How has the death of a loved one affected you? Wow, where do you begin and where does it end? I really have no idea! I could go on and on with answering this question. This will be a very very difficult day for me and our family in more ways than one.
Always looking up ~ Chrisina~
Friday, June 6, 2008
Time just keeps on moving on
I have wanted to write on here every day, but just haven't made it a priority too. I could give you all kinds of excuses as to why I haven't but I will spare you all of them. I am on here now and I know that you are thrilled...haha. I have so many things to write about and thoughts and lessons that the Lord has been teaching me these last 3 weeks but I will not be writing about them just now....I know you are bummed....haha. I just wanted to write a little something before I go out with Angela and her daughter for dinner tonight to let you all know that yes in fact we are all fine and that we have not been M.I.A.(missing in action) We just returned home from a 2 week trip to PA. We all had a great time and had lots of growing, learning and grieving that took place. It was a trip that was not wanted( don't take this wrong all of you who are reading this from PA) but it was well needed!!! I will elaborate later and will be posting lots and lots of pictures. Maybe I will get to this tonight. I sure do hope so!! I miss writing on here and allowing everyone to know how and what we are doing. Take care, and God bless you all!
~always looking up~ Christina
~always looking up~ Christina
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
1st day of summer( for the kids)
Yesterday( I wrote this on Wed) was officially the last day of school for the 2007-2008 school year. I am overflowing with enthusiasm as I sit here staring at my computer(witch by the way is on the fritz). So, the 1st day of Summer technically for my kids was today...I have already heard....I'm bored, stop it, quit that, don't touch, that's mine, leave me alone, can we do this, can we do that, MOM...MOM...MOM...ahhhh calgon take me away!!!!!!!! And this is only the 1st day of summer...what is a girl to do? I am going to take multiple trips.... one to PA, KY, FL, SC, and to TX. that should keep us good and busy for the summer break!! Oh yeah and my mom and Aaron's parents are going to come and visit. In the mean time I am going to keep them busy doing things around here, like pulling weeds, mowing the grass(if it ever decides to let the sun shine again), vacuuming the floor, so on and so on.....April, I might not need you to come and clean the whole summer( I bet you will like that) :)
Lets see the 1st day that they were out of school we did absolutely nothing!! I am on 6 different medications for various things and seem to have no energy what so ever!! They played all day and I did nothing...what a lazy bum I was. Oh well, I think we all have those days every once in a while..don't we?
Lets see the 1st day that they were out of school we did absolutely nothing!! I am on 6 different medications for various things and seem to have no energy what so ever!! They played all day and I did nothing...what a lazy bum I was. Oh well, I think we all have those days every once in a while..don't we?
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
time, emotions, & the Bride of Christ
Time....Time....Time...... We all think that we have all the time in the world. In reality you really don't! It all can be stripped away from you in just one split second. When you go through what I have been through you look at things differently. I know now that when you care about or love someone you need to tell them how you feel because you might not get the chance to later.
I am so amazed how time just goes on. It has been 7 months since I have lost my husband. Just when I feel as though I can move on(those are not the words that I would particularly choose but I can't think of any others right now) something in my life happens to make that moment when I lost my husband feel like it was just yesterday. I will probably have these type of days for the rest of my life. I don't know, I have never been through this before and never want to go through it again! Wether it is something the kids say, a motorcycle driving by, a picture, a friend who doesn't know and then I have to tell them what had happened all over again, making the quilts, etc.....it all triggers some type of emotion. It could be the smallest simplest thing that triggers the emotions and pain, the funny thing is is that all of those things can trigger sad emotions or happy emotions, believe it or not....they all do!!
I am so happy that I was able to spend 11 years of my life with a Godly man that loved me and cherished me like Christ loved the church! Most people don't experience this type of love at all in their lifetime. I was always his bride :) I was not just his wife...I was always his bride! There is a difference. Bride to me means a newness, a freshness an excitement, and preparation. Think about what the bride looks like... A, crisp beautiful dress, the fragrance of perfume, lips richly colored, and eyes sparkling, not a hair out of place. Usually we picture a youthfulness or an innocence or both. It is similar how our relationship with Christ, according to the Bible, remains... a fresh and new.
I am now and always have been, since I accepted HIS invitation of eternal salvation, the bride of Christ!! HE(the bridegroom) might lead us to a difficult place or two or three, but we can trust HIM that there will be a purpose in our stay there and HE will never forsake us. In Jeremiah 2:2 God spoke to Israel... He said to her, "I remember the devotion of your youth/how as a bride you loved me/ and followed me through the desert." I have followed my bridegroom to the desert......a place of Loss, Hurt, Pain, Solitude, Anger, and Loneliness. Even though I have been to these places in the past year I have found that I have grown closer and closer to HIM through these circumstances. I have and will go through these journeys and will continue with HIM right there by my side. I don't like the deserts that we go through, no one does, but if we can learn and grow in HIM through the deserts then the mountain top experiences will truly be mountain top experiences.
Always looking up ~ Christina~
I am so amazed how time just goes on. It has been 7 months since I have lost my husband. Just when I feel as though I can move on(those are not the words that I would particularly choose but I can't think of any others right now) something in my life happens to make that moment when I lost my husband feel like it was just yesterday. I will probably have these type of days for the rest of my life. I don't know, I have never been through this before and never want to go through it again! Wether it is something the kids say, a motorcycle driving by, a picture, a friend who doesn't know and then I have to tell them what had happened all over again, making the quilts, etc.....it all triggers some type of emotion. It could be the smallest simplest thing that triggers the emotions and pain, the funny thing is is that all of those things can trigger sad emotions or happy emotions, believe it or not....they all do!!
I am so happy that I was able to spend 11 years of my life with a Godly man that loved me and cherished me like Christ loved the church! Most people don't experience this type of love at all in their lifetime. I was always his bride :) I was not just his wife...I was always his bride! There is a difference. Bride to me means a newness, a freshness an excitement, and preparation. Think about what the bride looks like... A, crisp beautiful dress, the fragrance of perfume, lips richly colored, and eyes sparkling, not a hair out of place. Usually we picture a youthfulness or an innocence or both. It is similar how our relationship with Christ, according to the Bible, remains... a fresh and new.
I am now and always have been, since I accepted HIS invitation of eternal salvation, the bride of Christ!! HE(the bridegroom) might lead us to a difficult place or two or three, but we can trust HIM that there will be a purpose in our stay there and HE will never forsake us. In Jeremiah 2:2 God spoke to Israel... He said to her, "I remember the devotion of your youth/how as a bride you loved me/ and followed me through the desert." I have followed my bridegroom to the desert......a place of Loss, Hurt, Pain, Solitude, Anger, and Loneliness. Even though I have been to these places in the past year I have found that I have grown closer and closer to HIM through these circumstances. I have and will go through these journeys and will continue with HIM right there by my side. I don't like the deserts that we go through, no one does, but if we can learn and grow in HIM through the deserts then the mountain top experiences will truly be mountain top experiences.
Always looking up ~ Christina~
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
I have been tagged( back in Feb)
I have been tagged….a while ago…..I’m not good at these things but here it goes.
This is how it works….. I am supposed to tell you 7 things that you might not know about me…
1. I was married before Aaron and before I became a Christian…It was the typical infatuation, I cannot live without you, no one else can have you type of love. My mom begged me not to get married. I told her I would make it work…boy was I wrong. I even told my dad before he walked me down the isle that I thought I was making a mistake. He said it was just nerves….Dad’s if your daughter tells you that she thinks that she is making a mistake please do not tell her that it is just her nerves. Let her have a few minutes to really process what is taking place so that she does not make the biggest mistake of her life. That marriage ended in divorce because of physical abuse.
2. I met Aaron a year after my divorce and then a month later my Aunt led me to the Lord, I was 23 yrs old. Do not ever give up on someone coming to know Christ because of his or her age, what they believe, or their background. Aaron and I were married 2 months later. People thought it was too soon but Aaron and I knew that the Lord had put us together for a reason!! We did have our ups and downs but who doesn’t! Through all of those circumstances, we were able to witness and encourage so many people along the way.
3. I love to horseback ride. I use to do this as a child at TLC. That was the day care that I went to while my mom worked to support me and my sister and brother. I use to go trail riding, barrel racing and I even did some bronco riding. I got 1st place for that. Horses seem to make everything that is going on my mind disappear. The experience of riding them calms what is going on inside of me. They help me to think about nothing else but the wind rushing through my hair and on my face. Its hard to capture in words the freeness of how being on a horse makes me feel.
4. In 1999, after I had Chandler, I went to my 6-week check-up and they were concerned that my thyroid had not gone back down to normal. To make a long story short, they tested me for all kinds of things. The results were CANCER. I was devastated. How could I at 26 yrs old have cancer? They aspirated it and did a test and the test results were benign. Praise the Lord! A few months later it started to hurt me, so they said that I could have it removed. In Sept. I went in to have it removed and the technician came in and said that the Dr. was not going to do the surgery that day because he was woke up at 3AM with something telling him that if he did the surgery he would loose me. I know that it was God waking him and allowing him to realize that. He gave me iodine drops (which I am allergic to topically) to ingest for a month to kill the cancer cells. A month later, I had the surgery. They removed the whole thyroid and 2 other cancerous tumors (they were also benign) that they did not know about. One was around my ephosogus and the other was around one of my vocal chords. They actually had to cut the vocal chord to get the tumor off. I could not speak for 3 months after the surgery. That was tough! Not because I talk much but because I had a husband and 2 children that I needed to speak to. I remember writing notes to people. I could lean over into your ear and you could hear me but not very well at all. God has really done an amazing work in my life.
5. When we lived in Florida, we were in an accident. Aaron was driving and Samuel and Chandler were in the back seat. I do not remember if I was pregnant with Lanie yet or not. I do not believe so. Anyways, We were traveling East bound back to FL from AL when a car that was heading West bound crossed the median and hit the car directly in front of us head on. The car in front of us veered to the right and the other car slid on top the overpass and landed across the bridge. No cars could get through. We did not hit anything….there was debris that flew around us and that we ran over but we did not impact either car! Amazing! When I looked up and opened my eyes, I instantly asked Aaron in a terrified voice saying, “Why aren’t we dead, why didn’t we hit that car?” The only explanation is that it was God that literally guided our car through the wreckage. Aaron pulled over and went to help the woman of the car that was hit in front of us and she could not be helped she was already gone. Sorry to be graphic but I want you all to realize how bad this accident really was. She was decapitated. Her friend in the passenger seat had to be life lighted to a nearby hospital. She was very bad off. Then Aaron went to see if he could help the people in the other car. The driver was thrown out and seemed fine but when Aaron got up to him, he told the boys friends that there was nothing anyone could do that he was gone. They begged him to help more but he couldn’t. His girlfriend that was traveling in the passenger seat had only a few cuts and bruises. Through this experience, it made me realize that we are not promised tomorrow so, if you do not have a relationship with the Savior I beg of you to find it so that you will spend eternity in Heaven instead of Hell.
6. I love to fly anywhere…I love the experience of flying, (I don’t know how to fly the plane but I sure know how to ride in one) looking out the window, the anticipation of taking off and landing, flying through the clouds. It is all such a rush for me.
7. I started work when I was 12 yrs old working at an arcade beside a water slide. That was the coolest job! Lots of cute guys! We had a place in there where you could buy snow cones. I was the snow cone queen! The line wrapped around the building to get a snow cone! I had that job because my mom was a single mom and if I WANTED anything then I had to pay for it myself. After holding that job for 3 summers, I decided that I needed to get something during the year so that I could get a car. At the age of 15, I started working at Little Caesars. At the age of 17, I was testing for Assistant Manger and I was robbed by gunpoint. That was not fun at all. I was terrified!!! By the age of 21, I was a floating Manager. That means that I went around to the different restaurants until they could give me my own close to where I lived. I worked there until I was 24. It was at that time that Aaron my late husband told me that either I quit my job and find a different one or he wasn’t going to marry me. Needless to say, I did exactly what he wanted me to do. The hours were long and exhausting and he did not like that. He hated seeing me tired.
I think you all have read just about enough of the Christina drama….
Always looking up!! ~ Christina~
This is how it works….. I am supposed to tell you 7 things that you might not know about me…
1. I was married before Aaron and before I became a Christian…It was the typical infatuation, I cannot live without you, no one else can have you type of love. My mom begged me not to get married. I told her I would make it work…boy was I wrong. I even told my dad before he walked me down the isle that I thought I was making a mistake. He said it was just nerves….Dad’s if your daughter tells you that she thinks that she is making a mistake please do not tell her that it is just her nerves. Let her have a few minutes to really process what is taking place so that she does not make the biggest mistake of her life. That marriage ended in divorce because of physical abuse.
2. I met Aaron a year after my divorce and then a month later my Aunt led me to the Lord, I was 23 yrs old. Do not ever give up on someone coming to know Christ because of his or her age, what they believe, or their background. Aaron and I were married 2 months later. People thought it was too soon but Aaron and I knew that the Lord had put us together for a reason!! We did have our ups and downs but who doesn’t! Through all of those circumstances, we were able to witness and encourage so many people along the way.
3. I love to horseback ride. I use to do this as a child at TLC. That was the day care that I went to while my mom worked to support me and my sister and brother. I use to go trail riding, barrel racing and I even did some bronco riding. I got 1st place for that. Horses seem to make everything that is going on my mind disappear. The experience of riding them calms what is going on inside of me. They help me to think about nothing else but the wind rushing through my hair and on my face. Its hard to capture in words the freeness of how being on a horse makes me feel.
4. In 1999, after I had Chandler, I went to my 6-week check-up and they were concerned that my thyroid had not gone back down to normal. To make a long story short, they tested me for all kinds of things. The results were CANCER. I was devastated. How could I at 26 yrs old have cancer? They aspirated it and did a test and the test results were benign. Praise the Lord! A few months later it started to hurt me, so they said that I could have it removed. In Sept. I went in to have it removed and the technician came in and said that the Dr. was not going to do the surgery that day because he was woke up at 3AM with something telling him that if he did the surgery he would loose me. I know that it was God waking him and allowing him to realize that. He gave me iodine drops (which I am allergic to topically) to ingest for a month to kill the cancer cells. A month later, I had the surgery. They removed the whole thyroid and 2 other cancerous tumors (they were also benign) that they did not know about. One was around my ephosogus and the other was around one of my vocal chords. They actually had to cut the vocal chord to get the tumor off. I could not speak for 3 months after the surgery. That was tough! Not because I talk much but because I had a husband and 2 children that I needed to speak to. I remember writing notes to people. I could lean over into your ear and you could hear me but not very well at all. God has really done an amazing work in my life.
5. When we lived in Florida, we were in an accident. Aaron was driving and Samuel and Chandler were in the back seat. I do not remember if I was pregnant with Lanie yet or not. I do not believe so. Anyways, We were traveling East bound back to FL from AL when a car that was heading West bound crossed the median and hit the car directly in front of us head on. The car in front of us veered to the right and the other car slid on top the overpass and landed across the bridge. No cars could get through. We did not hit anything….there was debris that flew around us and that we ran over but we did not impact either car! Amazing! When I looked up and opened my eyes, I instantly asked Aaron in a terrified voice saying, “Why aren’t we dead, why didn’t we hit that car?” The only explanation is that it was God that literally guided our car through the wreckage. Aaron pulled over and went to help the woman of the car that was hit in front of us and she could not be helped she was already gone. Sorry to be graphic but I want you all to realize how bad this accident really was. She was decapitated. Her friend in the passenger seat had to be life lighted to a nearby hospital. She was very bad off. Then Aaron went to see if he could help the people in the other car. The driver was thrown out and seemed fine but when Aaron got up to him, he told the boys friends that there was nothing anyone could do that he was gone. They begged him to help more but he couldn’t. His girlfriend that was traveling in the passenger seat had only a few cuts and bruises. Through this experience, it made me realize that we are not promised tomorrow so, if you do not have a relationship with the Savior I beg of you to find it so that you will spend eternity in Heaven instead of Hell.
6. I love to fly anywhere…I love the experience of flying, (I don’t know how to fly the plane but I sure know how to ride in one) looking out the window, the anticipation of taking off and landing, flying through the clouds. It is all such a rush for me.
7. I started work when I was 12 yrs old working at an arcade beside a water slide. That was the coolest job! Lots of cute guys! We had a place in there where you could buy snow cones. I was the snow cone queen! The line wrapped around the building to get a snow cone! I had that job because my mom was a single mom and if I WANTED anything then I had to pay for it myself. After holding that job for 3 summers, I decided that I needed to get something during the year so that I could get a car. At the age of 15, I started working at Little Caesars. At the age of 17, I was testing for Assistant Manger and I was robbed by gunpoint. That was not fun at all. I was terrified!!! By the age of 21, I was a floating Manager. That means that I went around to the different restaurants until they could give me my own close to where I lived. I worked there until I was 24. It was at that time that Aaron my late husband told me that either I quit my job and find a different one or he wasn’t going to marry me. Needless to say, I did exactly what he wanted me to do. The hours were long and exhausting and he did not like that. He hated seeing me tired.
I think you all have read just about enough of the Christina drama….
Always looking up!! ~ Christina~
Monday, April 28, 2008
Samuels birthday
I have not been writing on here in a while because we are actually getting things back on track! Samuel's birthday is today and he turned 11. He has gotten so big, as you see from the pictures that I posted. I remember the day that he was born very vividly!! His Daddy and I were so very excited for his arrival. Samuel has turned into a very moral young man. He sees everything as black and white, there are no shades of grey with him. He will always point out what is right and what is wrong. He is very inquisitive and soaks everything up like a sponge. You might think that he is not listening but don't let that fool you, he is all ears!!
He had 4 of his close friends over on Friday night for a slumber party. They played guitar hero on the Wii, then we went bowling.....they wanted me to bowl with them and I told them that I didn't want to beat them to bad so I would sit out. Samuel begged me so I played and what do you know he beat me by 2 points. I couldn't believe that he was so good. After bowling we went and rented a movie and got me a Starbucks so I could hang with the boys. Lights were out at midnight and they were up by 7 am. they played guitar hero some more int he morning before they had to leave. They were very good and respectful. I had no problems out of them what-so-ever!! Would do it again next year!
He had 4 of his close friends over on Friday night for a slumber party. They played guitar hero on the Wii, then we went bowling.....they wanted me to bowl with them and I told them that I didn't want to beat them to bad so I would sit out. Samuel begged me so I played and what do you know he beat me by 2 points. I couldn't believe that he was so good. After bowling we went and rented a movie and got me a Starbucks so I could hang with the boys. Lights were out at midnight and they were up by 7 am. they played guitar hero some more int he morning before they had to leave. They were very good and respectful. I had no problems out of them what-so-ever!! Would do it again next year!
new pictures
I hope that you all enjoy these pictures!! We had so much fun taking them!! Thanks to my friend Kristen who did these for me. If you would like her to do some for you let me know and I can give her your info, she is doing this as a source of income.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
update
I wanted to let every one know that me and the kids are fine!! I have been in the middle of a project and once they are done you all will understand why I have not been updating you like I had been.
Please continue to pray for Samuel. He is having a hard time still with worrying about something happening to me. The other kids are wonderful....Chandler got straight A's last 9 weeks and is doing very well in school. Lanie is growing in to a little girl and boy is she ever a girly girl and is very particular on what she wants to wear!! WOW! Bennett is learning a whole bunch!! Pray for him....at night he is scared to sleep by himself now. I'm not sure why because he has never had a problem going to bed before but he is now crying hysterically unless someone lays down with him. Chandler has taken on this role!
As for me I am coping....the routine has begun to creep back into our lives and sometimes I feel that is good and other times I don't because it is then that the hustle and bustle of life starts to take over! I have to tell my self to slow down and smell the roses.
Please continue to pray for Samuel. He is having a hard time still with worrying about something happening to me. The other kids are wonderful....Chandler got straight A's last 9 weeks and is doing very well in school. Lanie is growing in to a little girl and boy is she ever a girly girl and is very particular on what she wants to wear!! WOW! Bennett is learning a whole bunch!! Pray for him....at night he is scared to sleep by himself now. I'm not sure why because he has never had a problem going to bed before but he is now crying hysterically unless someone lays down with him. Chandler has taken on this role!
As for me I am coping....the routine has begun to creep back into our lives and sometimes I feel that is good and other times I don't because it is then that the hustle and bustle of life starts to take over! I have to tell my self to slow down and smell the roses.
Monday, April 7, 2008
second, third and many more chances
This past week has been a very interesting week!! Tuesdays and Thursdays I take the 2 little kids to Mom's day out so that I can have at least 4-5 hours to run around and do my errands with out the kids. Last Tuesday I attempted to go and get my hair cut, done..what ever you call it, and they didn't have any apointments available. Now what do I do? I get in my car and go to the stop light and wait for it to tum green. Not sure why I just sat there a sec and then I looked left and saw a car approaching so I just stayed put to see if he was going to slow down. He didn't seem to be doing that at all. It seemed as though he had sped up. Well what ya know he blew right through that red light like it was invisible. I would have been T-boned on my side of the car.( I was driving a little car, not my huge tank) I am so thankful that I didn't go when the light was green but took a look to make sure that it was really clear for me to go.
In my life I have had several close calls where it could have been the last breath that I would take, but for some apparent reason the 3rd time I was spared again. (one day I will share the other events that God has shown me where he has spared my life) Was it because I wasn't ready? No not at all!!! It was because the Lord was not ready to take me home just yet. He has mighty things in store for my life and I ask him for guidance, direction and insight on what that is!
I really didn't think of the impact last Tuesday has had on me until I went to the Women of Faith conference this past weekend(if it comes anywhere remotely close to any of you I highly recommend you go!). There was a speaker there named Sheila that had lost her dad when she was 5. I cried the whole time she spoke. I wanted to speak with her and ask her all kinds of questions but when I was able to all I could do was tell her about Aaron and that I have a 4 year old daughter, and 3 boys. She proceeded to tell me that I needed to be praying that the Lord would keep me here on this earth until all four of my children come to know the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. It hit me right then.....He spared my life last Tuesday so that I can train up my children in the ways of the Lord and to see them accept HIM.
I have been dealing with alot in my life these past 2 or 3 weeks...that is why there haven't been as many entries lately. I hope that I will be able to post more often soon! I just want to let everyone know we are doing very well! God Bless you all......
~always looking up~ Christina
In my life I have had several close calls where it could have been the last breath that I would take, but for some apparent reason the 3rd time I was spared again. (one day I will share the other events that God has shown me where he has spared my life) Was it because I wasn't ready? No not at all!!! It was because the Lord was not ready to take me home just yet. He has mighty things in store for my life and I ask him for guidance, direction and insight on what that is!
I really didn't think of the impact last Tuesday has had on me until I went to the Women of Faith conference this past weekend(if it comes anywhere remotely close to any of you I highly recommend you go!). There was a speaker there named Sheila that had lost her dad when she was 5. I cried the whole time she spoke. I wanted to speak with her and ask her all kinds of questions but when I was able to all I could do was tell her about Aaron and that I have a 4 year old daughter, and 3 boys. She proceeded to tell me that I needed to be praying that the Lord would keep me here on this earth until all four of my children come to know the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. It hit me right then.....He spared my life last Tuesday so that I can train up my children in the ways of the Lord and to see them accept HIM.
I have been dealing with alot in my life these past 2 or 3 weeks...that is why there haven't been as many entries lately. I hope that I will be able to post more often soon! I just want to let everyone know we are doing very well! God Bless you all......
~always looking up~ Christina
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Pictures I promised...a few days late...sorry!
All of these pictures are the pictures form Spring Break down in Fort Walton Beach, Navarre and Destin, Florida. We miss it so much. Can't wait to go back in July for a while!!
Bennett climbing on the outside wall of the lighthouse
Chandler crawling into the lighthouse through the window.
Lanie and the friend she made while playing!
My kids with the little boy that we met in Navarre Beach while picking up shells off of the beach.
The kids all playing in the surf
Bennett
Lanie and Bennett making "sand angels"
Bennett couldn't get in the water he would just get close enough to get his feet wet and then run back up to shore to dry off.
Titus and Chandler
Rayna and I thought they were so cute in their matching jeans and no shirts
Me and my oldest boy....I can't believe he will be 11 soon!!
Lanie making more "sand angels"
Samuel being silly!!
Bennett climbing on the outside wall of the lighthouse
Chandler crawling into the lighthouse through the window.
Lanie and the friend she made while playing!
My kids with the little boy that we met in Navarre Beach while picking up shells off of the beach.
The kids all playing in the surf
Bennett
Lanie and Bennett making "sand angels"
Bennett couldn't get in the water he would just get close enough to get his feet wet and then run back up to shore to dry off.
Titus and Chandler
Rayna and I thought they were so cute in their matching jeans and no shirts
Me and my oldest boy....I can't believe he will be 11 soon!!
Lanie making more "sand angels"She wouldn't get near the water at all
Bennett and I buried Samuel.....I had never done that to anyone before..that was so much fun!!
The pictures were here a minute ago but I guess I deleted them...oops
Chandler feeding the seagulls
Uncle Rod holding out a piece of bread for the birds to take out of his hand...and they did!!
me with the kids at FWB landing
Feeding the seagulls
My pretty girl
Lanie finally started hunting(picking up) eggs at the egg hunt. She was petrified of the Easter Bunny so she had to make sure the coast was clear.
The kids and Aunt Debbie looking to see if any of them got a special egg.
My kids with my cousins kids
Me with the kids...obviously I love this picture!!
I took the kids to a hibachi restaurant on afternoon. We met rayna with her kids there and my friend Leslie with her kids there. Lanie was petrified of course & Bennett was ok.
Lanie wouldn't get in the picture here oh well
My blessings that God has entrusted me with!!
Bennett loves to play the guitar...he can actually make it sound ok
Samuel and his cheesy smile
Lanie loves to color
Samuel riding Cheree's horse
Chandlers turn
Bennett loved riding...he didn't want to get off. When it came turn for Lanie to ride she didn't want to so Bennett said that he would take her turn. I even trotted and cantered with him on there and he loved it. He laughed the whole time.
Bennett and Cheree giving the horse a treat
Ok we finally got Lanie on but it wasn't easy she was kicking and screaming
Our former neighbor JH with the kids on his mower. They always loved to mow the grass on the mower with him
Chandler and Bennett in the rec room at the 4th(the gunship squadron that Aaron formally flew with). We got a personal tour of the aircraft and met with the commander( which was a friend of mine and Aaron's) they treated us like royalty
Here Samuel is in the bubble...the bubble is in the very back of the plane. This is where the Loadmaster would look out for any missile threats. This is what Aaron would do during the missions.
Rayna with her son Colton
The water was so cold but it dosen't stop the kids
Rayna, me and Karley...my cousins which are sisters
Every time Bennett got out of the water he had to come and dry off
Lanie and Abagail in the tree playhouse(its more like a cabin on stilts)
Samuel on the zip line
All the kids eating ice cream
Lanie the Hamm
Bennett was pretending to shoot me
Bennett and I buried Samuel.....I had never done that to anyone before..that was so much fun!!The pictures were here a minute ago but I guess I deleted them...oops
Chandler feeding the seagulls
Uncle Rod holding out a piece of bread for the birds to take out of his hand...and they did!!
me with the kids at FWB landing
Feeding the seagulls
My pretty girl
Lanie finally started hunting(picking up) eggs at the egg hunt. She was petrified of the Easter Bunny so she had to make sure the coast was clear.
The kids and Aunt Debbie looking to see if any of them got a special egg.
My kids with my cousins kids
Me with the kids...obviously I love this picture!!
I took the kids to a hibachi restaurant on afternoon. We met rayna with her kids there and my friend Leslie with her kids there. Lanie was petrified of course & Bennett was ok.
Lanie wouldn't get in the picture here oh well
My blessings that God has entrusted me with!!
Bennett loves to play the guitar...he can actually make it sound ok
Samuel and his cheesy smile
Lanie loves to color
Samuel riding Cheree's horse
Chandlers turn
Bennett loved riding...he didn't want to get off. When it came turn for Lanie to ride she didn't want to so Bennett said that he would take her turn. I even trotted and cantered with him on there and he loved it. He laughed the whole time.
Bennett and Cheree giving the horse a treat
Ok we finally got Lanie on but it wasn't easy she was kicking and screaming
Our former neighbor JH with the kids on his mower. They always loved to mow the grass on the mower with him
Chandler and Bennett in the rec room at the 4th(the gunship squadron that Aaron formally flew with). We got a personal tour of the aircraft and met with the commander( which was a friend of mine and Aaron's) they treated us like royalty
Here Samuel is in the bubble...the bubble is in the very back of the plane. This is where the Loadmaster would look out for any missile threats. This is what Aaron would do during the missions.
Rayna with her son Colton
The water was so cold but it dosen't stop the kids
Rayna, me and Karley...my cousins which are sisters
Every time Bennett got out of the water he had to come and dry off
Lanie and Abagail in the tree playhouse(its more like a cabin on stilts)
Samuel on the zip line
All the kids eating ice cream
Lanie the Hamm
Bennett was pretending to shoot me
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