Showing posts with label love. Show all posts
Showing posts with label love. Show all posts

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Living Proof Live - Beth Moore in Little Rock, AR

I had the pleasure of attending a Living Proof Ministries Live event on April 15 & 16, 2011!  I was in good company with roughly 8,500 "siestas" attending from 22 states.  But, Arkansas was a strong presence as 6,600 Arkansans welcomed home one of our own, Beth Moore who grew up in Arkadephia, Arkansas. 

I traveled from my hometown in Searcy, Arkansas with my sister and four dear friends from church.  It is about an hour drive from here to North Little Rock's Verizon arena.  We decided to get a hotel room so that we would be near the event for the early Saturday morning arrival.  We left town and headed for the big city.  We arrived at the Peabody Hotel where we checked in and had the car parked in valet.  The great thing about the big city is that you can ride a trolly or catch a cab and you don't have to bother with parking because whoever had the brilliant idea to put the arena where they did surely did not think of the lack of parking that would result!

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Our view of the stage.
We were fortunate enough to have a hotel very close to the trolley rail that runs through down town North Little Rock.  It's a beautiful ride, and we enjoyed getting from our hotel to the arena via the trolley filled with many other women who were doing the exact same thing.  When we got to the arena, the lines were long to get in, but the attendants did a fantastic job at getting folks in at a speedy rate.  Since we just had purple arm bands and no tickets, the line moved very quickly. There was no assigned seating for this event, and there are both upsides and down sides to this, fortunately for us we got great seats, in the third row right by the stage!

Once we had taken our seats, I took a minutes to look over the study guide we were handed as we walked in the door.  It was neatly organized with plenty of room to write notes from both Friday night and Saturday.  I was very excited about that, as I am a thorough note taker.

This was my first time to attend a LPM Live Conference and to say I was excited could perhaps be the understatement of the century.  I have taken my kids to many shows at the Verizon (formerly Altell) Arena and I can sense the anticipation and excitement on their faces as they wait for Disney's Princesses on Ice, or Monster Jam to begin.  I felt those same butterflies in my stomach as I knew that I was about to embark on a life changing event with Ms Beth Moore and company!!

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Tisha and Travis Cottrell
The Praise Team came out and the voices angelic voices began to fill the stadium along with the powerful accompaniment of music and immediately we were on our feet singing praises to our Lord.  It was moving and I was almost instantly in tears.  All I could think was, this is only a small teeny tiny drop in the ocean compared to what Heaven will be like!!  Can you imagine it, being there singing praises RIGHT TO our Lord.  As my hands were lifted and I sang to the top of my lungs, I could only imagine how wonderful that must have sounded to Christ the King to hear so many people (mostly women) singing praises in his name.  WOW!!  As a small town Baptist church girl, I am not used to hearing so many voices in unison.  It was something, I tell ya!!!  Travis Cottrell was amazing, and I don't remember the names of the girls and guy who sang with him, but they were awesome as well, and when they were leading us in song, I was sad to hear it end.  I could have seriously have listened to them for days!!!  I did have the pleasure of meeting him after the show.  I purchased his a book and cd and he was nice enough to autograph both.  Of course I didn't miss the opportunity to have my sister snap a photo with my Iphone! 

Now, when Beth came to the stage she was ready to go as the Travis Cottrell and the praise team had her just as pumped and ready to go as she did the rest of us!!  Beth's message came from II Timothy 4.  Along with many other things, she gave us

7 Ways to Fulfill Your MY Ministry:
1. Adopt a succinct (concise) life goal.
2. Acquire the appropriate tools. {II Tim 4:13}
3. Endure the hard for the sake of the good. {II Tim. 4:5}
4. Embrace the necessicity and complexity of community.
5. Accept God's willing and healing.
6. Entrust yourself into a divine "so that...". {II Tim 4:17}
7. Always and forever, come what may KEEP THE FAITH!!! {Heb 11: 6-7}

There were so many other great quotes I wrote from Beth from both Friday and Saturday, I thought I'd list a few here:
"Good mornin' Pudens."
"Trying to do what God has called me to do with focus in an A.D.D world."
"We have to learn the art of pure perseverance."
"Be bold and stouthearted."
"We do not compete in the body of Christ!"
"If you do not have control of your mind, who does?"
"Immunity from community means no ministry." - II Tim 4: 9-15
"Restoration isn't always in agreement. We're still here 'cause we're not all complete."
"Baggage attracts baggage."
"We are meant to live in community but we will go through seasons alone."

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Taken at the Flying Fish
When we left the event, we had the daunting task of trying to find something to eat at 10:00.  We ended up choosing The Flying Fish.  I had a hamburger and fries (yes, at a fish joint!!).  The burger was char grilled, like Burger King and I am not a big fan of that taste, but the funnel cake and nachos that I had at the arena weren't enough to tie me over 'till breakfast.  So, I ate it without too much complaint.  ;)  The other girls had fish, shrimp, and even crab legs.  They seemed to enjoy their entrees.  So, I guess it's a recommendable place if you're in the River Market. 

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The Arkansas River as we walked across.
Friday night was such an amazing time that I surely did not want it to end! She did give us homework as well. Thankfully I am an early riser, so I got up early Saturday morning and did mine after I had my shower.

On Saturday morning, we all got up early in hopes of getting close to the same seats we'd had on Friday night.  We had coffee at the hotel and I grabbed a blueberry muffin to eat on the way.  We headed out of the hotel and to the trolley station.  When we were there we checked the schedule only to find that we had to wait until 11 to catch a trolley!!  By this time, if we'd have waited for valet to get our car, and then drive over in traffic we'd never get good seats.  So, someone (she shall remain nameless!!) suggested the quick walk over to the arena.  It was a few blocks, but the weather was NOT as Spring like as it had been earlier in the week.  I had worn short sleeves, capris, and flip flops.  Needless to say, the view of the Arkansas River over the River Bridge was beautiful but it was VERY cold!!!  Once we got off the bridge and in between buildings it wasn't as bad. I hope the girls that had to walk across that cold water weren't too upset with the one (who shall remain nameless) who suggested we walk across to the arena.  It didn't seem that far or that cold when we were talking about it!!  ;)

Saturday's message began by a quick walk through the crowd.  She came up right where we were sitting and asked a few questions of women around us.  One lady named Sherry stood up and talked about how she was having a double mastectomy on the following Monday.  We cried with her and prayed with her.  I wish I had her phone number so I could check on her.  She has weighed on my heart since the event.  Sherry if you ever read this, I hope you are doing well...and that you know that there are siestas out there who love you and pray for you!!  There was more praise and worship music and lots of fun.  The message was great and I could not even come close to summing it up here.  But, just know this...if you are in trials and tribulations in your life, you are facing them for a reason.  It's your "so that..."!!  You face those trials SO THAT...some day you can help someone else in the same situation, some day you will be stronger, etc.  You may NEVER know your "so that" but just know that you will make it through!  You will NEVER be alone. GOD is always with you.
The #1 thing that the enemy is after is your faith!! Never let them steal your joy...your faith. Always keep your faith!!!

If you ever get the opportunity to go see Beth Moore live, I would highly recommend it!!!  I was changed after hearing her amazing testimony and uplifting message.  Ms Beth, if you ever read this, THANK YOU for all you do and continue to do to Fulfill YOUR ministry!!!  I love you, Puden!!!

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Severe Weather in Central Arkansas

Living in central Arkansas, there are a few things you can be sure of and one of them is the weather.  Tornadoes will occur in the springtime.  One thing you can never count on is when and where.  We knew we had a severe risk of bad weather yesterday.  We rushed through dinner and baths so that we could be prepared for the worst while we prayed for the best.  I have learned that my middle child, who is now five has my nervous tenancies about storms.  Shelby, the oldest who is now 8 is a lot like her dad.  She's pretty laid back and usually falls asleep once we seek shelter in the hallway.  The youngest just thought we were playing games as we gathered pillows, blankets, flashlights, cell phones, and the likes. 

PhotobucketAs our favorite weather man was warning folks in our town to turn up our television and seek shelter in a safe place I know my son could sense the nervousness in his mom even though I try to hide it.  I don't usually do a very good job of it!  He was nervous as well. 

Once we were safe in the hallway listening to the live coverage, my son asked if we could pray.  Praying seems to calm him, and it was a great distraction from the heavy rain and wind that was beginning to fall outside.  After we prayed, he said, "Mom, if you die in the storm, I just want to die with you.  I couldn't live without you!"

Praise the Lord that the storms went all around us (once again!).  Prayer is powerful not only to calm nerves, but to calm storms as well.  There were many in the state that were not so lucky.  Our prayers are going out to those around the state who have lost homes, property, and lives.  Thank you so much for all of the great weather coverage from the local news stations, and Facebook Friends who kept us up to date on the weather around the state.  If you have a spare minute, please say a prayer for those who were affected by severe weather/tornadoes in our state and that the threat that we have today will diminish!

Saturday, March 12, 2011

Happy Dateiversary, Baby!!!

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Brien and Tisha - Then
"So, people have been asking me if we are dating. I am not sure what to tell them. What do you think?" Says a boy to a girl.

"Well, I hope we are dating. I would like that." Says a girl to a boy.

Each month after that on the 12th, that boy would send that girl a pink rose for each month of their "dateiversary".  Once they hit a year, March 12 she got 12 red roses.  She still has that first rose and that first dozen roses.  But, unlike those roses, their love blossomed and flourished. 

This was 18 years ago and that boy was my husband and that girl was me. We were fifteen. Now we're 30ish...you do the math. ;)

I thank God each and every day that he sent me my soul mate at such a young age. We have grown up together. With each day I love him more and more. He is such a loving and caring Christian man and I cannot imagine spending my life with anyone else.

I love you with all of my heart and soul, Brien and I can't wait for the next 18+ years. 

Monday, May 17, 2010

A New Begining

PhotobucketSunday was a big day for me.  I sang a special in church.  Many of my Facebook friends probably remember my dilemma on choosing the right song.  I ended up going with "Jesus Take The Wheel" by Carrie Underwood.  I felt like this song was fitting for more reason than one on this day!  My husband and I have been attending his childhood church for a few months now.  Brien was baptized as a child at this church.  I went to church near my childhood home, but was never baptized.  It's been weighing heavily on my heart for a while now that I wanted to do so and become a member of this church.  I love the people at the church and the preacher is amazing.  It just feels like home.  I think that God has lead us here and it is where we belong.  After praying about it and discussing it with one another as well as the preacher, on Sunday morning May 16, 2010 my husband rededicated himself to the church and I made the decision to become a member of the church by baptism which will occur next Sunday morning!  I am very excited about the wonderful things that the Lord has been doing in our lives and I look forward to serving him through the church.  Please keep my family in your prayers that we will continue to do God's will.

Thursday, July 23, 2009

A Day At The Park

Those sporadic visits to the city park are the greatest. It's days like this that make it fun to be a mom to three wonderful children. We all have those days where we wonder what ever happened to our sanity. Sometimes it's fun to just go to the park with your kids and let loose. That's just what we did yesterday. As you can tell the kids had much fun. Emily loved to swing. Tyler and Shelby loved pushing her more than they did climbing, sliding, or running. It was great fun for me to enjoy the laughter and smiles of my children. Being a Mommy is the greatest job in the entire world. Although there are times when they make me want to pull out my hair the love that a mother has for her children is like no other in the world and I could not imagine my life without that love.

Monday, February 09, 2009

Manic Monday - Wear


Some day little Emily might wear her daddy's company responsibilities. I thought it best that she begin learning early. While Shelby is at school and Tyler is in pre-school, Emily is at architectural school! *snort*

Seriously, though Friday while Brien was working on a set of plans he picked Emily up and was playing with her. I thought it the perfect photo opportunity. Take note that Brien is holding on to a pen while Emily has her paci!
Disclaimer:
I don't really make Emily work; yet. She'll have to at least be able to sit up on her own before we force this issue.

Saturday, September 06, 2008

Just Randomness

♥ Having a baby is a walk in the park compared to getting your tubes tied!
♥ Engorgement is truly NO FUN!
♥ Just as one thing starts to "heal" or feel a bit better, something else hurts.
♥ I had SOOOOOOO forgotten how little sleep you get when you're taking care of a newborn.
♥ Emily has a bad diaper rash, which I'm sure is due to the fact that she poops in EVERY single diaper. I'm thinking that we'll end up having to change her formula. *sigh*
♥ Big brothers love their baby sisters and want to touch and kiss them every single time they walk by making mommy VERY nervous.
♥ I hate having to depend on others to do things for me, but I am so glad that I have them.
♥ I have the bestest mother in law and sister in the world. They have both taken such great care of me! I will have to think of something awesome to do for them to repay their kindness.
♥ My sister made us two big dishes, chicken spaghetti and lasagna so I didn't have to worry about dinner for a couple of nights!!!
♥ My mother in law has been here every single day to do laundry, help with the kids, and anything else I need. Isn't she great?
♥ I wouldn't trade being a mom for anything in the world. I hope I don't ever let my kiddos down. They mean the world to me.

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Wordless Wednesday - Lather Up

My 76th
Wednesday
Previously Speechless ~ WW Headquarters


Tuesday, April 22, 2008

A Mother's Revelation

Yesterday morning was a typical Monday morning around my house. I overslept then woke up cranky and sleepily made my coffee and proceeded to slap myself around a bit to get woke up. I hurriedly woke up my grizzly bears sleeping beauty and prince charming from their slumber. They woke up in the same kind of moods that I did so it made for a bad mood morning for all involved. Both kiddos usually are not thrilled with the thought of going to daycare on Monday mornings anyhow, but being as we were all at each other's throats this particular Monday morning was worse than normal. I did feel bad once we got in the truck and headed toward daycare because I realized how mean I had been. I apologized to the both of them for being mean. The great part about children is that they are so forgiving. They both smiled at me and told me that they loved me and it was okay that I was having a bad morning. I received big bear hugs and lots of kisses from each one before we went in the door at school. All the way to work, I held back tears because I realized that no matter how many people in my life come and go, I will always have that unconditional love from my children. I am so proud that I am a mother. It is by far the greatest job that a woman can possess. This post was going to be a funny, lighthearted "conversations" post but instead became a revelation for me. I realize that my children (along with my husband) really are my best friends because they love me so unconditionally. Wow, what a great feeling!!!

Now, I'll move on to the lighthearted post that this was to become:
On the way to daycare this morning, Tyler was crying that he did NOT want to go to daycare today. Here is how the conversation went:

Tyler: *sobbing* I don't want to go to school today.

Me: I don't want to go to work either, but I have to. You have to go to school today. I promise that I'll pick you up as soon as I leave work.

Tyler: But, I'm too scared to go to school.

Me: Scared, what are you scared of at school?

Tyler: The girls.

I thought to myself...if he only knew! *LOL*

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

March 12th

Fourteen years ago today Brien and I began to date. I remember that we'd been out on a couple of dates and we were at my house and he said, "So people keep asking me if we're together or not. What am I supposed to tell them?" I cheerfully announced that I was happy to tell people that we were together! :)

We've been together every since. 14 happy years.

I love you, Brien. You are my "prize" and my world. I could not imagine my life without you. I am so happy to know that after all of these years we can still tell people that we are "together".