This is our newest "baby" in the church. I actually got to see him being born! Nickolas Ray. He's the firstborn son of Derik and Sharon and grandson of Ray and Sandy.
He was dedicated last Sunday evening. I can't wait until he's up and running. :)
Showing posts with label Photos. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Photos. Show all posts
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Thursday, January 1, 2009
It's Here...2009!
I'll be quite honest, when I was young, I never thought I would see this year, let alone 2000. It seemed so far away, a distant realm never to be reached. Whew, it has sped toward me like lightening streaking from the heavenlies!
Bud and I celebrated our 41st wedding anniversary December 24th and while we didn't do anything special yet, as we were in Missouri with Fred's family, we will plan something. My boss always gives me a gift card to a local restaurant for Christmas to use for our anniversary and we enjoy that, especially since it's free! :)
This past year has in some ways been an unusual year. Bud was busy with trips to Illinois caring for his mother and then her death on Easter Sunday.
I'm "missing" my grandkids today! I would love to see all of them and our great granddaughter, Chloe. She's two now!!!!! They are all growing up so fast. Our oldest(Tim's son), Brian is 21 years old! And Jason's 
son, Brock will be 16 in April!
And Kailee our precious granddaughter 
Oh by the way, if any of my dear sons or daughters are reading this... I NEED some photos of these dear grandchildren... school pix... please!
We had our Watch Night service last night. Started at 8pm with a break around 10:15 for sandwiches and coffee & dessert. All our ministers spoke and then pastor spoke last with it ending right at midnight with prayer. All spoke from their hearts.
My thoughts for the New Year:
I've been thinking about resolutions and goals. Some people are very goal oriented almost to the point that if their goals aren't met within their allotted time they become depressed. I am a list maker. I do like to set goals. However, I am not "stuck" to those goals. Some might say... "I wouldn't even write down any goals if I had that attitude about them." I've found that "the best laid plans of mice and men..." :D We have to be open to change. God never changes, but we have to be open to change for Him. This can be really difficult for some; to make plans and then have them totally changed. As I mentioned, I am a list maker. I have lists for everything! I occasionally misplace these lists! :D I don't like going to the grocery store (Sam's club) without my list. I like to get the items on my list and then, "I'm outta there". Shopping is not one of my favorite things to do anymore!
Back to my thought... the LORD gave me this scripture in Philippians 3:13-16 for the New Year:
13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, (emphasis added)
14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
15 Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you.16 Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind. (NKJ)
I love the way the Amplified reads:
13 I do not consider, brethren, that I have captured and made it my own [yet]; but one thing I do [it is my one aspiration]: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead,
14 I press on toward the goal to win the [supreme and heavenly] prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling us upward.
15 So let those [of us] who are spiritually mature and full-grown have this mind and hold these convictions; and if in any respect you have a different attitude of mind, God will make that clear to you also.
16 Only let us hold true to what we have already attained and walk and order our lives by that.
After all... whatever goals or aspirations I have for this coming year... they should revolve around "the main goal". "Keeping the main thing, the main thing" as Bro. Tenney's book title states. I can't undo last years mistakes or things not accomplished, I can only begin again. It's a new year and a new day in the LORD... I want to press/strain toward that higher calling! He is calling us.
The "unknown" of 2009 can be daunting! But when I was first diagnosed with cancer this came into my possession, I don't remember how or when, but I know it was during a dark, alone period of time:
"When you come to the edge of all the light you know, and are about to step off into the darkness of the unknown,
Faith is knowing one of two things will happen: there will be something solid to stand on, or you will be taught how to fly."
I've never looked to see who the author was, but the words soothed my soul and they still do!
I'm looking forward to whatever 2009 holds... I do know it has put me closer to His blessed returning, maybe sooner than I realize!
Have a blessed NEW YEAR with Jesus!
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Only ONE LIFE to live...
We received a call early FRIDAY morning on the 19th of December. Judy (sister-in-law) had called an ambulance to take Fred (my husband's younger brother) to the hospital Thursday evening. His Oxygen level was down drastically and he was very weak. Fred received a diagnoses, I believe this past April, of renal cancer that had metastasized. He fought a hard fight and had 8-months to be with family. Everything was organized and in place for his family. He took great care of his family. He passed from this life on Friday evening around 6:30pm EST.
Just an example of Fred's "thinking ahead". While there I noticed a beautiful vase of roses and a card leaning against the vase. He had ordered these flowers the day before going into the hospital for Judy's birthday on the 26th. That's Fred, always thinking ahead, always thoughtful. Here is what Fred wrote on the card:
He desired an informal funeral/memorial service and that's what we did. His older brother, my husband, spoke and then Robin his daughter gave her memories and thoughts (more than a eulogy) but spoke from her heart of what her DAD meant to her.
Teresa and Bob (his sister and brother) spoke of fond "family" memories. Marc talked about his Uncle Fred. And there were others who spoke fondly of Fred.
We cried, we laughed, and we cried some more. But we did laugh and that I know is what Fred wanted us to do. He loved family get-togethers.
Round the table.. Micah, Marc, Eva, Kaylee, Sarah, Brynn, Shenyle, and Gavin.
On the left is Judy, Teresa, Eva, and Craig.
Uncle Bob and I, keeping the kids occupied.
Papa Bud with Micah and Gavin(our handsome youngest grandsons).
Judy, Fred's wife, looking at the memories of their life together, 41-years! Best Friends for longer than that!
Scott, Fred's son, in quiet thoughtfulness. A moment of contemplation.
Fred's military (Navy) medals and a signed photo with President Reagan.
21 Gun Salute.
Taps... such a solemn, sad sound.
Fred's HAT...
Judy and me. Judy is stronger than she realizes and while I know there will be "bad" days and moments of grief and sadness, the memories of a loving husband and father will carry her through. She has family that loves her very much and will keep her daily in their prayers.
Maggie will miss him too
!
The end of one day in our lives and one life, 
but never will Fred be forgotten.
If Fred were watching us today, he would have been pleased. He would have laughed with us and cried with us and enjoyed the grandchildren at play. He would have added his own special memories of times past. His spirit was there with us! He left us with a "smile" on his face. We can only give him a "smile" in return.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Officially Here????
God and Country or Starbucks and Country? Just joking!
Monday, September 22, 2008
Missouri Visit - Osage Beach/Camdenton
We left Tuesday the 9th for a visit with Bud's brother, Fred and family. We had a wonderful visit filled with the presence of the Lord.
Here are a few photos:
Bud's younger brother Fred during a moment of contemplative conversation. Fred has cancer and has started another round of Chemo without radiation this time.
"A kitchen moment"
All the Childers men are excellent cooks!!!!
Scott is in the middle. He was having a good time with company. Judy (sister-in-law) is observing.
When Bud cooks, I don't mind being the observer!!! As my mom says, he always comes up with something GOOD!
Brynne had to smother GREAT Aunt Pam with kisses. She was my little buddy while we were there.
She took about a 40 minute nap on my lap one afternoon. I decided to join her.
Brynne and Kaylee. I had to get a photo of both with me before we left. Kaylee is a busy little girl.
Grandpa Fred and Grandma Judy are enjoying living near the girls. I envy them! I miss my grandkids so much!
Robin(Fred & Judy's Daughter) and Craig with their girls. We enjoyed visiting with them. Robin grilled a pork loin one night that was delicious!
Bud and Scott enjoying a quiet moment together at the State Park on the lake.
We had taken Scott for a ride while Fred & Judy were at Fred's medical appointment.
Stopped for a milkshake and hamburger at Sonic's.
We stayed at the beautiful Tan-Tar-A Resort on the lake where Craig and Robin work. Thanks to them we stayed at no expense to us. This was a blessing! Thank You, Craig and Robin!
The Entrance to the resort with a beautiful winding drive to the main entrance.
We stopped by on the way back home and visited with our middle son. I have more photos to post of our visit there next time.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Family Time
We were privileged to have two of our sons visit us this summer. Marc and his family in June and Tim and his family in August. So, we were able to visit with all the grandkids but three. Hopefully, we will see the others this year too! Chloe our Great granddaughter will be TWO YEARS OLD on the 25th of this month. I can't wait to see her. I know she's grown so much since I saw her last August. And OH MY, Kailee has grown-up so fast. She's going into HIGH SCHOOL this year!
Here are some photos taken during these visits:
Nana and Poppy relaxing at the camp site.
Our oldest son, Tim on the Carousel at Coolidge Park in Chattanooga,TN
Below- the THREE MEN on a bench!
Kailee at the Camp
This is a photo of the inlet (a part of Harrison Bay-Tennessee River) that Tim & Terri were camping at. We live less than 4 miles from this park. And we take long walks here. It's beautiful, especially early spring and fall.
This is a pic of the fountain area at Coolidge Park and the kids are allowed to play in it. There are all these zoo animal fountains surrounding the center fountain. They have a lot of fun during the HOT summer days. This park is right next to the TN River. If you look off in the distance you will see one of the four bridges that cross the river into the City of Chattanooga. WE LOVE IT HERE!
I've already posted some of Marc and Shenyle's Florida Beach Vacation, but I have some more to post and will next time.
Well that is all I have time for this year. I have more to post and more to write... but it will have to wait until later.
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