Emmy

Look Who Came for Christmas!

2011-12-26T11:34:00.007-05:00

Best present ever! :)

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Jesus, I want to know the real you!

2011-10-12T09:12:00.006-04:00

Beautiful Outlaw OFFICIAL TRAILER from Ransomed Heart on Vimeo.

Went and saw John Eldredge speak in Atlanta last night! SO powerful. PLEASE go out and buy the book today... download the messages! John's passion and enthusiasm for us to know the real Jesus, His true character and personality is contagious!

Oh how I long to know the real Jesus... not just some religious steorotype I have created in my mind over the years. As we prayed last night and I will continue to pray...

"Jesus, I ask you for you. For the real you."

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Happy Easter!

2011-04-23T15:30:00.003-04:00

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Love This!

2011-02-17T09:16:00.001-05:00

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Happy Snow Day!!!!

2011-01-10T21:06:00.033-05:00

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Merry Christmas!

2010-12-11T11:16:00.001-05:00

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Guatemala! A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words!

2010-07-28T23:01:00.030-04:00

My kids had an amazing week! I am so grateful! Despite lost luggage, being bumped off flight, fevers, stomach bugs... God did a mighty work! A picture is worth a thousand words! Enjoy!

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Just Wanted to Share!

2010-07-22T11:24:00.008-04:00

For several years in a row my husband and I would drive to Chapel Hill, North Carolina to go to a small retreat center to spend the weekend with Brennan Manning. For three days we (and about 25 others) would sit at his feet and drink in all Brennan had to say about "the reckless love of our Abba" It was so beautiful... so refreshing... so comforting... so true!

I found some of my notes the other day and loved the little tidbits he would give you... thought they were so powerful... I just wanted to share! Enjoy! : )

- Whenever you see FEAR the LORD think of Fear as being...
Silent Wonder
Radical Amazement
Affectionate Awe
Revere at His Goodness (something like that)

- I should... is a key operative word of ego self

-Be yourself instead of a carbon copy of someone else

-If you comprehend God then it is not God

-Healing our image of God... Heals our image of self

-Faith is the courage to accept acceptance (because if we truly knew and understood how much God adores us and accepts
us then the above is true)

- Abba, I belong to You!

- Christianity comes when Christians experience the reckless love of God

- Cross shows Jesus unwavering trust of His Fathers love

- God's forgiveness precedes your repentance

- I (God) expected more failure from you then you did from yourself

- Why is trust so rare... it demands courage

- Childlike trust is our supreme need in our life (needs to be renewed daily)

- If God stopped thinking of me He would cease to exist

- We never judge anyone with the self hatred we judge ourselves

- A loveless act of worship is a meaningless act of worship

- May all your expectations be frustrated... all your plans be thwarted... experience the powerlessness and the poverty of a child and sing and dance in the love of God, wonder and beauty of yourself as... Abba's Child and temple of the Holy Spirit!

- Look up and reflect on these scriptures... Isaiah 43:1-5... 1 John 4:16-19... Psalm 103... Galatians 4:6-7... Luke 15:20... Song of Solomon 2:10-14... Isaiah 49:14-16... Luke 12:22-32... Romans 8:14-17... Psalm 131... John 15:15... Matthew 11:25-28... Hebrews 4:14-16... Psalm 23... John 14:1... Psalm 139:1-18

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A Reflection from Henri Nouwen

2010-06-22T13:29:00.003-04:00

Words That Become Flesh

Words are important. Without them our actions lose meaning. And without meaning we cannot live. Words can offer perspective, insight, understanding, and vision. Words can bring consolation, comfort, encouragement and hope. Words can take away fear, isolation, shame, and guilt. Words can reconcile, unite, forgive, and heal. Words can bring peace and joy, inner freedom and deep gratitude. Words, in short, can carry love on their wings. A word of love can be the greatest act of love. That is because when our words become flesh in our own lives and the lives of others, we can change the world.

Jesus is the Word made flesh. In Him speaking and acting were one.

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Sunday Afternoon Fun!

2010-04-26T17:37:00.003-04:00

I have NO idea why in the world I let them do this... but it was my birthday and I was in a good mood! I have to say I have never seen my two oldest love their little brother more!

Before

Such excitement!

Samurai Ponytail!
Too late to go back now!

Lloyd Christmas!

A little too many chunks taken off the back... oops...

Oh no... need to get shorter blade to cover up mistakes!

T wants a try!

Hmmmm....

He likes it! Hysterical! Only a few bald spots... and a little shorter than anticipated... but he did make 50 bucks (he charged anyone who wanted to cut $10) Of course we all had to jump in!

May not be the best buzz cut... but oh the memories! Makes me smile!

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So Long Insecurity!

2010-04-25T21:01:00.003-04:00

Lizzy, Georgia Jan, Me!

Wow! Still processing it all... more to come! : )

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Happy Easter!

2010-04-04T18:30:00.004-04:00

The Lord is Risen!

The Lord is Risen Indeed! Alleluia!

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Sweeney

2010-03-29T21:43:00.006-04:00

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing."
2 Timothy 4:7-8

"Arise, my darling, my beautiful one, and come with me.

See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone.

Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land.

The fig tree forms its early fruit; the blossoming vines spread their fragrance.

Arise, come, my darling; my beautiful one, come with me."

Song of Songs 2:10-13

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/mikesweeney

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Please Pray for my Precious Friends!

2010-03-18T10:20:00.004-04:00

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/mikesweeney

Thank you!

***Please take time to read through Cabell's journal entries... I promise you will be blessed!***

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Little "Kisses" from God!

2010-02-05T23:00:00.036-05:00

"Every time your name comes up in my prayers, I say, "Oh, thank you, God!" I keep hearing of the love and faith you have for the Master Jesus, which brims over to other believers. And I keep praying that this faith we hold in common keeps showing up in the good things we do, and that people recognize Christ in all of it. Friend, you have no idea how good your love makes me feel, doubly so when I see your hospitality to fellow believers!" Philemon 1:4-7 (The Message)

Oh what a fun day I had! I can't begin to tell you the gift it was! : )

My precious friend Wendy "Mom of Eleven" and I went to Atlanta for Beth Moore's "So Long Insecurity" book signing!

We are such geeks! I have been waiting "So Long" for this to come out! Boy do I need it! I am even insecure about writing this post! (not my gift area) But I just have to share... in Thanksgiving to Him! : )

I think God gives you these little "Kisses" to remind you that He cares about the details! Anyone who knows me... knows I ADORE Beth Moore! God has so used her ministry in my life - the hours upon hours I have spent learning at her feet! It would take me days of heart to heart conversations to share all the beautiful ways He has spoken to me through her!

I was laughing and smiling with God because He knows my dream and prayer has always been to be able to one day give Beth a hug and to thank her in person. I have always wanted to share how incredibly grateful I am!

Well I have hugged and thanked her TWICE in the last two weeks! Thank you Lord! : ) (thank you Georgia Jan : ) )

I love God's sense of humor! After getting to the bookstore an hour early I went to the restroom... have you ever been coming out of the restroom and when you open the door someone is walking in and your face is like smack dab in their face... always a little awkward - right? Well that was Beth and me yesterday... I almost knocked her over! I think I may have screamed or made some weird noise! It was the last thing I was expecting! Such a happy surprise! Who could have timed a bathroom meeting like that?

Ok y'all I am laughing at myself... look at how excitedl I am : )

Look at my hand!

Such deep conversation! (grin), a million things to say in a minute and a half... I panicked and made no sense whatsoever! I didn't even care! Think Michelle is texting someone saying, "Poor Beth... all these crazy ladies"

After I left, I went to Williams-Sonoma next door... I couldn't quit smiling in my heart! I love how sweet Jesus is... I was so overwhelmed... I just knelt right there by the utensils and thanked Him!

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One Hundred and Seventy-Six!

2010-01-27T09:15:00.029-05:00

Siesta Scripture Memory Team 2010 Houston, Texas

"Georgia Girls"

Deborah (Twinkle), Georgia Jan, Beth, me, Wendy (Mom of Eleven)

We Made it! We were SOOO excited!

Ok we are calming down... a little more sophisticated!

Ok time to "Press it In!" (Cliff Note Version!)

Wait one thing first... *** I just have to say something about scripture memory! I never in my life thought I could memorize 24 scriptures! I DID it! What an amazing, awesome, incredible thing to have these truths planted deep in your heart! I can't tell you what a gift this has been... thank you Beth! I am just so grateful to LPM for putting this challenge out there! I adore being able to pray them back... meditate on them... in a crisis lean on them... when you can't sleep go over them... and nothing is more exciting then when you are reading along in your Bible and you come across a scripture you memorized and you (or at least I do) leap with JOY inside your heart and think... "OH! Hi! I KNOW you! You are my FRIEND!" Anyway I have had that happen several times and it just makes me smile! : ) I am grateful!***

Ok here we go...

Psalm 119- How many verses... 176 verses... revealing Himself and His Will! 70 different Prayer requests!

I am a resident alien... seeking direction... in deep want of wonder.. in peril and need... troubled by humanity... especially my own... knowing that to follow is the only road... to a straying sheep longing to be found!

From Aleph to Tav (A- Z) 22x8=176... Testimonies 19x... Precepts 20x... Commandments 22x... Word, Promises, Sayings 22x.. Judgements 22x... Word 20x... TORAH- Law, teaching 24x

We Live to Hear Your Voice Lord!

- I am a resident alien
Built with a longing! We have eternity set in our hearts! : ) That is why death is so hard! Death is an enemy of God... last to go! Citizenship in a kingdom! 119:17-24 1 Peter 2:11 Ec 3:11

-Seeking Direction
We want to go with Him! If we are seeking Him we will know when to take the next step... Gives us enough light for the next step... Grace of God will carry us and sustain us!... If we know everything we will not need Him... we usually prophesy over our future with no grace! Your Word is like a lamp for my feet a light for my path! Psalm 119:105-112 Ps 119:34 Ps 119:66 Ps 119:125 Ps 119:144 Ps 119:169 Luke 24:45 Oh Lord Open our minds so we can understand! If we stay when His cloudy pillar moves we are going to dry up! We have choices!

- In Deep Want of Wonder
Only in Him can you find this wonder! Open my eyes so I can see your wonder! A deficit of wonder leads to depression and disenchantment! Psalm 73:13-17 Psalm 119:18 Open our eyes Lord to see the miracles in your teachings! Haven't been called into a cold relationship... but one full of Love, Delight, Joy, Wonder!

-In Peril and Need
We are constantly in peril and need- we are human on this terrestrial soil... when we feel our soul is in the dust- Cry out to Him! Revive Me! Breath Life into me again! A valid lament! Psalm 119:25 Ps119:28 Ps 119:107 Ps 119:58 If you see it in His word ask for it! (I love that!!!) Ask Him to give you Joy beyond your circumstances... to bring you a happy moment... give us some relief!

-Troubled by Humanity
Psalm 119:81-88 Ps 119:115-119 Ps 119:126 Ex 33:10 Psalm 139:11-18

- Especially My Own
I put myself here... how could you start something with the spirit and end it in the flesh... receive His forgiveness repent and get back on your feet... Lord make us a passionate people for God! Psalm 19:13 Blamelessness-not perfection (if we had that we would have will worship!) willful sin... dominion sin... LORD help me live free of these sins! It is for freedom that Christ has set you free! Psalm 119:9-11 Let the word take root! Hide it in your heart! Do not pass it on till it is planted! Hear the word then "PRESS it IN!"

- Knowing That to Follow is the Only Free Road!
I have chosen the way of truth! Psalm 119:30-32 I run in the path of Your commands because You have set my heart free!(I LOVE that!) Prayer is meant to relieve you! We don't need to take on the weight of the world! We are not God to people! If we get burdened after we pray we are still playing God... Get up and be FREE! Give it up to Him! : )

- To a Straying Sheep Longing to be found!
Psalm 119:169 Hear my cry to You Lord! Prone to wander Lord I feel it prone to leave the God I love! He sought us out!

One more point... not sure where it fell but one of my favorites! "You can't talk behind God's back because He will never turn His back on you!" : )

Ok time for some more pics! Love my Siestas!

Sunday at HFBC

Going Home : (

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Resolutions!

2010-01-07T12:52:00.004-05:00

New Years is always such a neat time of year because I am always reminded of fresh starts! I love new beginnings... the thought of a clean slate... makes me smile! Every year the last week of December my mind starts racing! How am I going to do it better?!?! I am such a mess! This time I am going to do it right! This will be the year! New Year- New ME!

The list goes on and on through my head... I need to have better quiet times, pray more, maybe even read the Bible in a year, yes good idea the Chronological one so I can know the exact timing of events, need to eat better, exercise more, be a better wife, mother, daughter, friend, volunteer, spend less money, have my house be in better order, cook more, definitely more sit down family meals!

It always involves some sort of resolve that if I could just get my act together... try a little harder! Then I can finally be _______ (fill in the blank) Be less lazy so I can be _______ eat less/exercise more so I can be _______ on and on it goes...

So the whole week before January 1st... I am just a slob... because you know- I better get it all in! Food, naps, shopping, more food, drink... December 31st, New Years Eve... I can feel the excitement of the New Me just around the corner, Whoo Hoo, I am pumped! Then inevitably it happens... the morning of Jan 1st comes and I Panic! Ugh... Really? Now? Then I say to myself, I can't start anything new on a Friday... Monday! Monday that is the day for new beginnings! The kids are still out of school I'll start Jan 4th! Yes! Then I will be a success! Who can start anything before a weekend? More resolve, Monday! Yes! I am fired up!

Then God gently reminded me over the weekend, Emmy, you can't do any of this yourself... I know God, I know, only You can do it (but still in my heart I am plotting away! I am going to do it this time! This will be different, I am fed up with me!) Then gently again God spoke to my heart, Emmy, surrender to Me! Lay it all down... give ME all that striving, wanting, longing! Come just sit on My lap and let it all go... beautiful just like HIM, tender, loving, gentle... peace! Even though I hadn't even started all of what I wanted to accomplish I was already exhausted! My burden is light... He spoke again... to my heart... and I was like Yes, Lord, Yes! I just collapsed in His arms, and wept at the thought... so freeing, so light... so sweetly reminded... I am nothing without Him, I am nothing without You Lord! One by one I laid my desires at His feet, and peace immediately set in... In ME you will have peace, In ME, only In ME! Yes Lord! Why do I always forget! Peace!

So "TRUE Surrender" that is what I long for this New Year! It is all about Him! Why is it so simple... yet so hard! The only way any of us will change IS through the power of the Holy Spirit! We know that in our minds but have we let that truth sink deep in our hearts? Do we really have any idea of how much He cares and longs for us! How much He wants us to live every moment through Him!

"I am my Beloved's, And His desire is for me!" Song of Solomon 7:10

Oh how I long for Real change... lasting change... change from inside out! I don't care if I loose another pound (well maybe), have a clean, organized house (well maybe), I am tired of myself... I need a Savior! I need to be renewed! I am hungry and thirsty Lord... I am weary of always trying on my own... help me lay it all at Your feet! When I take it back up... remind my heart! It is all about You! It is ALL about You!

He wants us girls... all of us! We are His Beloved! Isn't that freeing! Thank goodness... God is always about fresh starts... true and lasting fresh starts!

Lord Change us from the inside out! We need you!

"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well" Matthew 6:33

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The Whole Earth is Full of His Glory!

2009-12-14T13:51:00.007-05:00

The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His GLORY, the GLORY of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14

GLORY to God in the Highest!

Merry Christmas! : )

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To Him be the Glory!

2009-11-09T20:01:00.007-05:00

BBC ran this article last weekend about my nephew Chas! So many of you prayed for him! We are SO thankful!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/8188179.stm

"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." Ephesians 3:20-21

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M & EM's

2009-11-07T09:58:00.007-05:00

My daughter, "M" and her friend, Emily, thus the "EM" were a package of M&EM's for Halloween! I thought it turned out pretty cute so I had to share! I do NOT sew... but look what you can do with scissors, a little felt, glue and staples! I don't think I'll ever want to cut out another little m&m "m" again! Was hoping I would never want to eat one again but... unfortunately that isn't the case! Mmmmmmm : )

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Living Proof Live Memphis 2009

2009-10-14T07:39:00.003-04:00

Living Proof Live - Memphis from Rich Kalonick on Vimeo.

Doors Open LPL Memphis from Rich Kalonick on Vimeo.

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Sweet Sixteen!

2009-09-15T16:27:00.011-04:00

Sorry there isn't a picture of me crying... : (

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Tucker

2009-09-05T21:12:00.003-04:00

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Jan Karon

2009-07-27T13:37:00.002-04:00

Such a treat! My daughter and her friend at Jan Karon's house for lunch this summer! She is signing some books for them! : )

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The Real Deal!

2009-07-05T14:46:00.016-04:00

" We all know at least one woman who seems to be clothed with peace and grace. She stands out in a crowd. She's a woman whose endured hardship but hasn't become hard; has had her world shaken, but remains unshakable. Every wave of difficulty that has washed over her has polished and revealed in her that something special we all want. Such women are rare, but God placed just enough around to salt the earth with them and to make the rest of us thirsty!"

This was the introduction to my Bible study this week... it so sums up one of my dear friends... I have only known her for two short years... but I feel as if I have known her for a lifetime! She has been one of the biggest blessings in my life! Everyone who knows her feels exactly the same way... she is the real deal... so is her husband...

Please, please, please, join me in praying for my dear friends, Cabell and Mike, then take time to read their journal entries... you too will become thirsty!

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Scout

2009-07-01T18:07:00.003-04:00

Scout you will be SO missed! You can run now!

November 2001-July 1, 2009

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Things that make me smile! : ) Part 1

2009-05-22T10:06:00.045-04:00

This post is so random... I was going through iPhoto trying to clean it up and I was just so thankful to God for so many things... these are some of the many pictures that just make me smile... It still takes forever for me to post a picture! Need some blogging basics I think! : ) This is long... get ready!

My Family! Easter 2009!

The Cross... all the kids read a scripture and place a flower in the cross!

My hand Painted prayer journal from a friend! (Y'all so sweet my friend went to get me a prayer journal and they didn't have any that looked like me... so she took a plain one to our friend Cabell, who is the best artist, she hand painted it just for me! Don't you love just being known... I love that... so special!) Is it not just adorable! My only problem now is that I am scared to write in it! I don't want to mess it up! : )

Flowers my friend gave me for my birthday... My "I'm Believing God" platter my dear friend, Cabell, painted for me... it has the five pledge of faith statements around the Hydrangeas... I love it! : )

Watching my Boys Playing Lacrosse!

Sorry, I know this is gross... but it's my son's all time favorite picture! : )

A little at home surgery needed! How sterile do you think this is??Getting Started!

Faithful Assistant

Better Bite that gauze pretty hard!

Stitches!

Such Fun Late Night Entertainment!

The End! Oh my handsome boys! Good Work Dad! : )

Watching my daughter cheer! Amazed how she does her leg like that! I think we just did Herkeys (sp?)

Wanting hair that looks like Taylor Swift!

Baby Emmy! : )

Having Chas come visit! He is doing so well! (with my Dad)
My "Tuesday Bible Study Girls"

Surprising our friend JMom from "Lots of Scotts" for the Heart Walk! She was the honoree!

Scout and Lilly

First Prom

My daughter having spend the night company!

More to come... whew that was long! : )

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I just LOVE this song!

2009-04-24T18:23:00.002-04:00

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Cool New Site/ Brite Revolution

2009-03-17T08:28:00.006-04:00

I wanted to tell you all about a really exciting new web site! My brother is a musician in Nashville, TN and has launched a new site with a friend (where he is releasing his new album). It is called Brite Revolution and is a subscription based music download site. It is only $4.99 a month and Brite pays artists to record and release new music on their site monthly (they don't ask for the money back). The best part is that Brite gives 10% of their gross subscription revenue to non-profit causes of the users' and artists' choice. The artists include Billy Cerveny (my brother), Caedmon's Call, Ginny Owens, Waterdeep, Matthew Perryman Jones, Katie Herzig, Andy Davis, Drew Holcomb, Joy Williams and more. The causes they are partnering with are: Compassion International, Make A Wish Foundation, Bloodwater: Mission, Mocha Club, International Justice Mission, Invisible Children, Save Darfur and Best Friends Animal Society.

So...please check it out. Please tell your friends. These are great artists that have worked so hard over the years. And they are giving back! www.briterevolution.com (and be sure to check out Billy Cerveny - he's my brother! :))

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Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T21:05:00.003-05:00

"May the God of HOPE fill you and your family, with all JOY and PEACE as you TRUST in Him, so that you may overflow with HOPE by the power of the Holy Spirit!" Romans 15:13

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Living in the Present

2008-11-17T10:03:00.003-05:00

This was one of my devotions this morning... I love Brennan Manning... Jesus help me grasp this... I so want to live in the present moment... I know this is only possible by the power of your Holy Spirit... so come Lord Jesus... help us all be like little children!

The Geography of Nowhere

To live "nowhere"- composed of two words now and here- is to live in the temple of the present moment. Paying attention to the gift that arrives right now, right here, is one of the premier skills of spiritual life.

To live in the present means to trust deeply that what is most important in life is the here and now! We are constantly distracted by things that might have happened in the past or that might happen in the future. It is not easy to dwell in the temple of nowhere, to remain focused on the present. Our mind is hard to master and keeps pulling us away from engagement with the present.

When Jesus tells us to become like little children, he is inviting us to forget what lies behind and to forgo concern about the future. It is only now that we are in the presence of God!

I just love that... "It is only Now that we are in the presence of God!" : )

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Life by the Spirit

2008-09-15T20:23:00.010-04:00

Sometimes I can tune out things if my heart isn't there... I grew up in the church and sometimes you hear things so much you (or I guess I) tend to think I already know that one... Lets take for example, "The Fruit of the Spirit" When I hear that I immediately go into this mode in my head... yeah, yeah, yeah...I know all about the "Fruit of the Spirit"... "Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-Control"... I even sing Steve Green's version in my head from all my years of hearing the, Hide "em in Your Heart, series with my kids... Anyway... I had a friend call me today she was going to teach on "The Fruit of the Spirit" tonight and she said, "Emmy, listen to it out of the Message"... she went on to read it to me. Now, I don't know why sometimes I need things shaken up a little to break the familiarity (too much church baggage, I guess)... but I was like, WOW! God used it to really speak to my heart! It was so powerful!! After I got off the phone I immediately looked it up and reread it, meditated on it, prayed through it... Oh Lord How I Long to Live by your Spirit!

Life by the Spirit (The Message)

My counsel is this: Live freely, animated and motivated by God's Spirit. Then you won't feed the compulsions of selfishness. For there is a root of sinful self-interest in us that is at odds with a free spirit, just as the free spirit is incompatible with selfishness. These two ways of life are antithetical, so that you cannot live at times one way and at times another way according to how you feel on any given day. Why don't you choose to be led by the Spirit and so escape the erratic compulsions of a law-dominated existence?

It is obvious what kind of life develops out of trying to get your own way all the time: repetitive, loveless, cheap sex; a stinking accumulation of mental and emotional garbage; frenzied and joyless grabs for happiness; trinket gods; magic-show religion; paranoid loneliness; cutthroat competition; all-consuming-yet-never-satisfied wants; a brutal temper; an impotence to love or be loved; divided homes and divided lives; small-minded and lopsided pursuits; the vicious habit of depersonalizing everyone into a rival; uncontrolled and uncontrollable addictions; ugly parodies of community. I could go on.

This isn't the first time I have warned you, you know. If you use your freedom this way, you will not inherit God's kingdom.

But what happens when we live God's way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.

Legalism is helpless in bringing this about; it only gets in the way. Among those who belong to Christ, everything connected with getting our own way and mindlessly responding to what everyone else calls necessities is killed off for good—crucified.

Since this is the kind of life we have chosen, the life of the Spirit, let us make sure that we do not just hold it as an idea in our heads or a sentiment in our hearts, but work out its implications in every detail of our lives. That means we will not compare ourselves with each other as if one of us were better and another worse. We have far more interesting things to do with our lives. Each of us is an original.

Galatians 5:16-26 (The Message)

AMEN... that is all I have to say!

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Siesta Fiesta 2008 San Antonio

2008-08-29T13:58:00.001-04:00

SiestaFiesta 2008 San Antonio from Rich Kalonick on Vimeo.

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Recap of LPL San Antonio! (well an attempt!) : )

2008-08-27T11:00:00.013-04:00

Oh goodness... let me see if I can hit some points from this weekend! It was ALL amazing! Here are a few...

From Genesis to Revelation the theme of Inheritance is Consistent!
It always involves...
1. Presence... Ge 26:23 Jos 1:9
2. People... Ge 12:3 Ge 22:17-18 Dt 4:20 Ps 16:3 Rev 7:9
3. Property... Nu 26:52-56 Mt 25:34

I AM AN HEIR of GOD...

1. LIFE IS NOT LEFT TO CHANCE...
-Providence- the fact that God works as powerfully in the Natural as the
Miraculous! (I love that!)
-Fate has no power over me! (Thank Goodness!)

2. I AM INHERITING A KINGDOM... Mt 25:34

3. HE IS MY PORTION AND I AM HIS... : )
-Dt 10:8-9 La 3:24 Ps 119:57 Ps 73:25-26 Dt 32:9 Dt 4:20
-Pray that our value will go through the roof when we know this!
-We are a gift to a lost and dark world! Lord help us be!
-We are Holy to the Lord! We bear a mark! Rev 22:4
-He works out EVERYTHING (not a few) Eph 1:11
-Even if we are faithless... He can't not remain Faithful! (His Nature) : )
-If we realized what life would be like OUR perspective would change!
-We were rescued from darkness transferred into Kingdom of God!
-What a difference it would make to KNOW that we are Heirs!
-Spirit of Christ lives in you!

4. THE DOWN PAYMENT HAS BEEN MADE... (this is where my notes mess up so some of this may be out of order)
-It is for Freedom that you are to be Set Free!
-Do you want to be whole? Jesus wants us to be whole!
-Quit identifying yourself with past pain... quit living like a victim
-No longer use your past as an excuse
-Don't sit back in passivity while others are praying... ACTIVELY seek it!
-Demolishing strongholds is hard! Dump the stuff!
-Jesus changes lives and hearts! We are transformed!
-Be transformed... don't just learn how to behave
-Quit trying to be someone else- Just be filled with the Holy Spirit

5. MY BOUNDARY LINES FORM A PLEASING PLACE...
-Ps 16:5-6 1 Pe 1:4
-INTIMACY WITH GOD
-Height will go as high as our relationship with Christ
-PAST
-Lot was in His hand... if anything was painful God knew... He allowed it
-Ro 8:18 "I consider our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the Glory that will be revealed in us"
-To think "Oh what you have been chosen for! He knows you can do it!"
-Confidence can make my past ok...it is part of what God used to make me who I am!
-Dirt can become good soil for seed!
-Worship out of the reality of you present!
-LIFE EXPERIENCES
-These make you the person God has called you to be!
-You were given life experiences on purpose- forms one of our boundary lines
-Even our failures are part of who we are... Minister out of your failure!
-Come overtake every single bit of this Jesus! He can NOT do wrong!
-Praise out of doubt and pain!
-Risen Son of God! Praise Him with every broken piece!
-What can this life do to us? NOTHING!
-GIFTING
-1 Co 12:7
-What God has called you to... you can't do without Him
-He has equipped us
-FAITH
-Eph 4:27
-Reflect on your own intimacy with God
-Any place God is not occupying- Devil is on it
-Is Satan standing on any of your land?
-Past/life experience... God knew it He allowed it!
-Is God invading ALL you have?
-Come take over every single bit!

6. THE WILL HAS BEEN ACTIVATED...
-Someone has to die in order for will to be activated
-He gave His life to activate our will
-Hebrews 9:15-17
-Galatians 3:29-4:7
-We have only just begun to live our lives
-How differently would we live if we realized that the time will come
-We need a "Soulologist" - God Himself!

7.I CAN BE SECURE... I think the affirmation/ security thing was HUGE for me!
-When Beth said, "Our theology has not become our reality as long as we walk in insecurity" WHOA...
I needed to ask God to search my heart on this! Lord let me grasp this!
-We wouldn't crave affirmation or attention if we truly knew who we are in Him!
-False Christ's are so dangerous- No ONE has it together! We are all broken vessels who need to be filled with Christ
-Don't look to people to constantly affirm us... do not crave it or seek it out!
-No one draws people like a person who does not need people around her (loved this one...Lord help me with this!)
-Keep our stuff to ourselves... give it to Jesus
- How much has insecurity gotten us into trouble b/c of our craving affirmation?!?
-Teen Girls have bought into the lie that they are as valuable as they are sensual (looking for affirmation)
-Girls today act like sexual abuse victims because they have been mauled by the sexual abuse of our culture
-We can be SECURE! We are secure, mind, body and spirit
-Don't let people identify you!

8.I HAVE A BEAUTIFUL INHERITANCE
-Isaiah 61... Jesus is Isaiah 61... This has been fulfilled in your hearing! : )
-We are co-heirs with Jesus... we have received a double portion
-Every time we lower our shield of Faith Satan has you
-Win every time... it is a fight to keep believing and living
-We aren't just beautiful at the end of the race... We are His Glorious Inheritance!
-2 Timothy 4:6
-Hebrews 11:16-39 Instead they were longing for a better country
-Every bit of Old Covenant leads to the New Covenant
-Ephesians 3:6

**What if we believed all of this... That we are LOVED, ADORED, TREASURED... HIS INHERITANCE... that we are HEIRESSES...**

Jesus please, please, please, help us let our theology become our reality!

God Bless- Emmy : )

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Siesta Fiesta!

2008-08-25T08:16:00.012-04:00

Wendy, me, Joni and Mandy (I always forget I leave my sunglasses on my neck!)

Me, Wendy, Mandy, Joni, and Brittney! (You all have to hear Brittney's(Lopsided Halo) story! AMAZING!)

Travis! Boy how was that Alleluia song!!!!!

Yeah Wendy!

Yeah Shelly!

All you Heiresses!

Did you all see the Rainbow over the Alamodome Saturday Morning? There was a huge one after Deeper Still Too!
(sorry picture taken with cell phone)

Going to the PJ party! I wish you could have seen people looking at us! We had to cross street in downtown San Antonio!

We were laughing so hard it still makes me get tickled! : )

Living Proof Live - San Antonio from Rich Kalonick on Vimeo.

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He IS and More Reflections of Deeper Still

2008-07-23T09:33:00.002-04:00

He Is...
"In Genesis, He's the breath of life
In Exodus, He is the Passover Lamb
In Leviticus, He's our high priest
In Numbers, the fire by night
Deuteronomy, He's Israel's Guide
Joshua, He's salvation's choice
Judges, He's Israel's Guard
In Ruth, the kinsmen's redeemer
1st and 2nd Samuel, our trusted prophet
In Kings and Chronicles He is Sovereign
In Ezra, He's the true and faithful scribe
In Nehemiah, the re-builder of broken walls and lives
In Esther, He's Mordecai's courage
In Job, the timeless redeemer
In Psalms He is our morning song
In Proverbs, He is our wisdom
Ecclesiastes, He's the time and season
In Song of Solomon, He is the lover's dream
In Isaiah He is Prince of Peace
In Jeremiah, the weeping prophet
Lamentations, the cry for Israel
Ezekiel, the call from sin
Daniel, the stranger in the fire
Hosea, the forever faithful
Joel, the spirit's power
Amos, the strong-arms that carry
Obadiah, the Lord our Savior
Jonah, the great missionary
Micah, the promise of peace
Nahum, our strength and shield
In Habakkuk and Zephaniah, He's brings revival
In Haggai He restores that which was lost
IN Zachariah, He's our fountain
And in Malachi, He's the son of righteousness rising with healing in His wings
AND THAT'S JUST THE OLD TESTAMENT
In Matthew Mark Luke and John, He is God and Messiah
In the spirit filled book of Acts, He is the reigning fire from Heaven
In Romans, He is the grace of God
Corinthians, the power of love
Galatians, freedom from the curse of sin
Ephesians, our glorious treasure
Philippians, the servant's heart
Colossians, He's God and the trinity
Thessalonians, our calling King
In Timothy, Titus and Philemon, He's our mediator and our faithful pastor
In Hebrews, the everlasting courage
In James, the one who heals the sick
In 1st and 2nd Peter, our faithful shepherd
In John and Jude, He's the lover coming for His bride
AND in the Revelation, in the very end, when it's all over, said and done, when time is NO MORE. He is and will always be the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Prince of Peace, son of Man, Lamb of God, The Great I am, Alpha and Omega, God and Savior He is Jesus Christ the Lord HE IS EVERYTHING THAT YOU NEED!"

DeeperStill - Atlanta from Rich Kalonick on Vimeo.

Wow! Is that worship or what! Reflecting on who He IS! I have a great friend in town and every time we pray together she will at some point call out some of the names of the Lord... it is such a reminder to me of who HE IS! It makes me tear up to think about it! So Powerful and TRUE! His Character!

Can you imagine the impact if we could memorize that! When you are having a hard day or a fear of some sort... just to say wait a minute... Lord you are the Breath of Life... Our Morning Song... our Everlasting Courage... the Power of Love... the Grace of God... Faithful Shepherd... Reigning Fire from Heaven...

Beautiful! Just Beautiful!

Why do we ever even fear or doubt or run to other idols? (well maybe you all don't)
Anyway... I just love that... don't you... I may challenge myself to memorize it... then I think... there is absolutley no way in the world I could ever do that...

But then again Proverbs- He is our Wisdom! : )

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JH Ranch

2008-07-09T15:53:00.013-04:00

My son doing a double back flip!!!!!!

My husband and son went to JH Ranch, a couple of weeks ago out in Northern California for a Father/Son week...both said it was amazing, life changing!!

JH Ranch is a Christian based camp that has all sorts of programs... or "Everlasting Adventures" as they call it!

Mother/Daughter, Mother/Son, Father/Daughter, Father/Son, Teen Challenges... If you have a teen it is so worth looking into! Check it out... www.jhranch.com... So Cool!

Random Photos from this Spring!

2008-06-03T17:28:00.016-04:00

I have been trying to organize my iPhoto (any tips?) ... of course I didn't get anything organized just enjoyed seeing all that has gone on! Here are a few... that made me smile!

Fishing with Dad! MH's big catch!

Middle School Spring Dance

Spring Break... mmm nothing better than some hot chocolate with whipped cream!

My 9 yr old loves to ride "Cricket"!

My oldest (16) is 6'2' an inch taller than my husband! He loved the fact he could finally "Pin Dad" ... of course he erased all the pictures of Dad "Pinning him!"

My 13 year old got the fine arts award for playing the Tuba! We still laugh he picked the Tuba... always makes me think of Veggie Tales!

My 14 yr old daughter got an "Oscar" for her science video... she was shocked! She thought she bombed it! You never know! : )

Getting Drivers License... yikes... see earlier post!

My Birthday Dinner so fun... they blindfolded me and took me to a fancy dinner!

Scout before summer shave!

****Whoever reads this I HOPE this didn't sound too much like one of those bragging Christmas letters... I think it may have... but I promise that wasn't my intent... these were just some of the Joys we have had this spring and I wanted to share... we never usually get awards... (although I think ATT should give us one for using the most text messages and cell phone minutes!)... and I guess you really don't take a lot of pictures of the trying times (which are many with four kids and well just life)****

Thanks for sharing life with us! Emmy : )

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Update on my nephew Chas!

2008-05-29T15:09:00.004-04:00

Here is an update on Chas... instead of rewriting it... I just copied what my brother wrote on Caring Bridge... Thanks for caring girls! It means SO much!

"One of the wonders of having a child recover from a Traumatic brain injury is that you have a second opportunity to experience the marvels of your child's "first" achievements. In Grenoble it started with the marvel of seeing him move and then open his eyes for the first time. At GOSH (Great Ormand Street Hospital) we experienced the joy of seeing Chas sit-up, stand and eat for the first time. His first steps made us cry and even the nurse leapt for joy the first time he said her name. The problem is the number of observable milestones are limited --after Chas woke, walked and talked for the "first time", the subsequent post coma achievements are much more subtle. The retention of life skills (such as the ability to get dressed, brush your teeth, etc) may not be exciting to read about --but they are critical to Chas and his development. However, Monday night Chas had another break through, in fact, he was a so excited that he could not sleep. As we came home late Chas bounded out of his bedroom with a proud grin and simply said , "I can ride my bike". Twelve weeks ago this kid could not even move the right side of his body. Like us, Chas is still coming to terms with his accident (eg. He recently admitted he thought he had broken his ankle as even Chas could not fully comprehend that his lack of movement was due to the damage of a complex neural network that controlled the movement down to his toes).
While we are happy with Chas' progress and increasing independence, we still pray for his immediate and full recovery. Nevertheless, as we marvel at Chas and his recovery, we now realise that much of the wonder remains entangled in the journey."

Thank you for all your prayers! God is Working! Praise you Jesus! : )

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I liked this...

2008-05-27T11:41:00.003-04:00

Went to Nashville this past weekend... Oh I miss living there! Anyway I went to church on Sunday and the Pastor said something that I thought was really good... so I thought I would share it... (hope I get it right)

"It is not how much of the Holy Spirit that you have, It is how much of YOU does the Holy Spirit have!"

Just something good to think about! : )

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Reflections of Hope!

2008-04-07T13:49:00.015-04:00

I can't thank you enough for all the prayer and love you all have shown my family! Chas is doing well... and is now living at an awesome Rehabilitation Hospital in Surrey... he has made so many strides... but still has a long way to go! We would covet your prayers now more than ever... this is the tedious part... So if God puts us on your heart we would be so appreciative!

Here are a few reflections written by my Dad and my brother, Billy... thought I would share...

First from my brother, Billy...

There is nothing in life that can prepare you for something like this. It is sad on so many different levels. I think of when Jesus cried outside of Lazarus' tomb and the only way I can understand why the God of the universe would shed tears was because it wasn't supposed to be this way. He didn't create us for death. He didn't create a world where little boys had to re-learn how to swallow. So, I know I know I know that when we say Jesus is Emmanuel, God with us, it is not some cheap trinket. He isn't some imaginary friend that if we have a really good imagination, we can make him seem real. Emmanuel is his saying that he stands outside the tomb with us and weeps. Weeps over the way it was supposed to have been. Weeps over the pain we feel because of the way it now is. Weeps over the crushed expectations, the shattered hopes and the groanings of our spirits that can never be satisfied by this world (no matter how much we refuse to learn that). But He is hope. Not the kind of hope that says something good might happen as long as circumstances line up in the right way. Not the kind of hope that is anchored in the strong probability of the possible outcome we desire. Christ does not give us hope, Christ is hope. A hope that is about His promises to us and not our ability to keep our promises to God. A hope that weeps outside the tomb with us. A hope that says this is only for a little while because the end has already been written. A hope that says Chas is still as much Chas as he ever was and there is no ski accident, brain injury, height nor depth that will ever change that. God created a wonder when he created Chas. He is no less a wonder now. Who he is, is sealed by the sprit. Written on the palm of God's hand. And when we say, "God works things for his good", that is not some cheap christian band-aid. It is the cornerstone of all we believe. It means there is nothing God should be doing that he is not. It means that while there is mystery surrounding God, that mystery is not whether or not He is sovereign; it is how, in his sovereignty, he is working something like the brain injury of an eleven year old boy for good. We can't see it. I can't see it. It doesn't stop this from hurting. It's not supposed to. Things like this hurt by definition. But it is His promise of what already is and what is yet to come...that Christ is good and all circumstances, people and creation will reflect that. No exceptions. I don't know any outcomes for Chas or myself...but that promise is our "cleft in the rock" until, one day we are home and can see his face clearly.

This is from my Dad ...

It is 7 weeks today that Chas’ life changed dramatically. His parents can only guess what happened. Could Chas’ skis have crossed in mid air causing him to crash? Might Chas have hit a rock? Or maybe the snow layered ice became the enemy. So many questions but no real explanation for the journey that followed: brain trauma; days of living at lifes edge in a coma; weeks when Chas could not speak or eat or move his right side. Chas’s parents could have asked “Why us?” “ Why fall victim to the pit of suffering?” But eventually they began to live into life’s mystery. “Why not us!” If suffering, like joy, is woven into the fabric of life, why should anyone be an exception? The challenge before Gretchen, Frank, Chas and all of us is: “Once the unexpected happens” How do we address it, name it, and begin to live into the recovery of hope.
I write to all of you at Caringbridge because I believe Frank and Gretchen found strength as they shared a common identity with grieving families. It began in Grenoble, France as they lived in a hostel provided by the Hospital and broke bread with Germans, Italians, Poles and Greeks whose sons, daughters, husbands, wives were critically ill.
In any other circumstance, differences: language, race, culture might remain a divide. But at this Table of Life, there was no division. Frank and Gretchen shared a common identity with other suffering families. They were simply Children of God all journeying from brokenness to wholeness and God had led Gretchen and Frank into a caring fellowship.
Why do I share this reflection? Because none of us wants to suffer but when it happens, God will not only give us strength to meet the days ahead as he has for Gretchen, Frank and Chas but He will also open to each of us a caring fellowship of sojourners who will journey with us.
Finally, I am happy to report that Chas is recovering brilliantly. His journey toward fullness of health continues. If you were to meet Chas today you would see in him strength and hope and his message to you and the world beyond; NO ONE EVER has to remain in the pit. God’s saving help is ever present with us.

HERE IS AN AWESOME SERMON ON HOPE BY LOUIE GIGLIO

*does anyone know how to tell me how to make this (above) a link where you can just click on it? : )

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SIXTEEN

2008-04-03T12:52:00.008-04:00

This was by far one of the hardest parenting things I have ever had to do in my whole life! My oldest (still my baby) got his license today and I just watched him drive out of the driveway... I am bawling!

Who says God is not a God of Miracles Anymore!?!

2008-04-02T10:22:00.008-04:00

From This!

To This!

"PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW!"

We had the happiest news today! Chas is leaving Great Ormand Street Hospital!! YEAH! Praise you Jesus!

He will go home for the weekend and then go to Tadworth in Surrey (a rehabilitation hospital) for 3 months! He has made such strides! He can talk (still a little slow and broken) but he is talking! He can walk! (still a little unstable) but he is walking!

As they were leaving the hospital in France the Neurologist said, "Chas may never walk again... he may never write again... he may never... " Well.... not only is he walking... Chas is even kicking a soccer ball! (still note wheelchair in background) ... and he SCORED!

It has been a privilege to watch God's resurrection power at work! He has raised Chas back to life! He is RISEN! The Lord is Risen indeed! Girls that same power that raised Jesus from the dead and seated Him in the heavenly realms is the same power we have everyday! (Ephesians 1:19) Isn't that exciting!

Thank you for your prayers! It has meant to world to our family! Please keep praying if God puts us on your heart... we still have months to go... we want him all back! May God bless each and everyone of you today!

With Thanksgiving and Praise- Emmy : )

Chas TALKED!

2008-03-15T10:04:00.005-04:00

"Now to him who is able to do IMMEASURABLY MORE than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."
Ephesians 3:21-22

This whole past week has been nothing but a MIRACLE! Chas has made leaps and bounds... he has learned to eat, sit up, is trying to walk (with lots of help)... and he even got to be wheeled to Starbucks to get a smoothie!

Then this morning... my brother was with him and he said, "Chas take a deep breath in and try and say, Dad" ... well he took a deep breath in and as you can guess... Dad came out!

Oh, I Praise you LORD!

We just got off the phone with him... he said, "Hi Em...my!" Oh tears filled my eyes! I can't even begin to describe the JOY that burst forth in my heart! Of course each of my children had to call him... then my husband... Chas recognized and said everyones name!

I just feel to the floor on my knees... Oh! Praise you Jesus! Precious Jesus! Praise You! Now I am speechless!

Thank you again sweet prayer warriors! I will be forever grateful to you! If there is anything I can do to pray for you all please let me know... I would be honored!

Chas and Boppie (my Mom)

Happy Day!

2008-03-11T18:33:00.010-04:00

Thank you SO much for all your prayers! Chas has had an awesome week! He is slowly re-learning how to swallow and even ate some french fries today! They say once the swallowing comes back that usually speech is next! He also got to go to therapy today in the gym... He walked (well his Mom said not quite) but with lots of help down and back on the parallel bars... we will take it! Yeah! God is working! Praise him! Keep praying girls supposedly it is a long, long, road... but I thank Him for these milestones... everyone had such hope today that Chas is coming back! I am smiling so big as I write this!

***Surprise Visit***

This is so cool! England and Chelsea's midfielder, Joe Cole, (huge football (soccer) star in England) came for a surprise visit! Chas was elated! (So were his parents!) He brought Chas his jersey that he had worn in a match the night before! He also told Chas that he would sign his cast but not the jersey... as for the jersey... he told Chas- when you get well and out of the hospital I want you to bring it to a game... come in the locker room and have the whole team sign it! Can you imagine a young boys heart! (This is equivalent if not bigger than the NFL over there) and after that he wanted Chas to run out on the field with him to celebrate! Ok here is the cutest part... he then wanted Chas to sit with all their girlfriends during the game! : )

(The Chelsea Football Club also sent Chas a YouTube type get well video with about 5 players encouraging Chas! So fun!)

Thank you again sweet angel friends... for all your thoughts, prayers, caring, checking up on us etc...(especially when most of you have absolutely no idea who I am!) I am so grateful to Jesus for each and everyone of you! May God richly bless you precious girls! You certainly have blessed me!

Emmy : )

Frank and Chas

2008-03-03T21:54:00.001-05:00

I thought this was a sweet picture of my brother and Chas!

Please Keep Praying For Chas!

2008-03-01T09:25:00.007-05:00

I can't thank you all enough for praying for Chas! He was moved "Rock Star Style" from the hospital in France to an awesome hospital in London (where they live) so that is a huge Praise! He has made so many strides... but still has a long way to go! He is no longer in a deep coma but is still very dazed and confused... awake only about 3 to 4 hrs a day.

Here are a few things I would love for you all to pray for... first of course that God would totally heal Him! I know He can! Please pray that he would regain total consciousness, that his speech and movement would be restored... he also still has a feeding tube and is unable to sit up or even raise his head... that God would guide the Doctors and all the rehabilitation specialists...

Please pray also for my precious brother and sister in law (their other two kids)... the waiting... the not knowing the extent of the damage... the pain of watching your child hurt... the unknown... the road ahead... That they would feel His presence like never before... that they would have peace in the midst of the chaos... that they would not be afraid...

Thank you precious sisters in Christ! God Bless! Emmy : )

Please Pray for Chas!

2008-02-23T08:26:00.008-05:00

This is my precious nephew, Chas! (picture taken just two hours before accident) We are so grateful for the enormous outpouring of prayers; little Chas needs every one of them!

Chas fell while skiing in Chamonix, France, on Monday (February 18). He was airlifted to one hospital nearby and then airlifted again to another hospital in Grenoble, where he remains.

Chas has a hematoma on the left side of his brain and and a broken wrist.

He is still in a coma and has no movement on his right side. Please pray for sweet Chas... that Jesus would just wake him up! That there would be no brain damage and he would have movement on right side! That my brother and sister in law would be flooded with peace and just feel God's presence mightily in the PICU! Thank you so much!

I know God is working we had a PRAISE yesterday afternoon... they removed the ventilator (as you can see happy parents below!) He did flutter his eyes and griped my sister in laws finger with left hand! Praise you Lord!

So lets keep praying! Thank you so much for caring! I just LOVE the Body of Christ! So sweet how you all care! Thank you for being a reflection of Him to us! God Bless you all! Emmy : )

**Praise Update**
Thank you all so much for praying! Chas is doing so much better... he still is in a Coma... but on a coma scale 1-15 (1-3 being the worst) he is now a 10... he was a 3 then a 7 now a 10 (YEAH) he has even tried to smile! He still in unconscious about 20 or so hours a day but for a couple of those hours when he seems to come out of it he will open his eyes even try to smile when a joke is told! I am so excited I am about to burst! Thank you so much for praying! I just know he will have a full recovery! Please don't stop praying I know that is why he is doing so well... we still have a LONG way to go... thank you for caring!
Love you all! Emmy : )

Happy New Year!

2008-01-05T09:50:00.001-05:00

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future!" Jeremiah 29:11

Jars of Clay and Third Day

2007-11-30T10:23:00.000-05:00

Went and saw Jars of Clay and Third Day last night! It was awesome!

If their Christmas Offerings Tour comes to your town (or near it) please go!
So worshipful! Helps put your heart in right place during this advent season... especially when the world is so pulling it away with all its craziness, shopping, lists, returns, decorating, cooking...OK now that is making me panic again! : )

"BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD!" Psalm 46:10

Emmy : )

CAPTIVATING!!!!!

2007-10-09T14:44:00.000-04:00

OKAY I have something HUGE to share!!! Something SO COOL that God did!!!!! He is SO AWESOME!!! I LOVE HIM SO MUCH!!!! I love to hear these kind of things so I thought maybe you all do too?? This past weekend I went to Colorado for the "Captivating Conference" John and Stasi Eldredge (SO AMAZING!!! POWERFUL!!!! INCREDIBLE!!!) I WILL NEVER BE THE SAME!!!! (I PRAY!) THANK GOODNESS!!! If any of you get a chance to go it is a MUST!!! Anyway...the morning of the first full day we kind of had the heavy talk about our wounds we have received etc...you know the kind of talk...the reasons why we believe the lies about ourselves that aren't true!?! Anyway after the talk Stasi said we were to have about a 45 min covenant silence time to go talk to Jesus to linger in His presence...to invite Him into those places where we were wounded...b/c that is the place where true transformation begins and the healing and beauty will come (I'm probably not explaining it right....) but hopefully you know what I mean...Anyway everyone was crying...we all went outside...to different spots to reflect, pray, sit at His feet...it was a GLORIOUS day....overlooking a valley with mountains surrounding you! God's presence was so huge! BEAUTIFUL! Then all of a sudden TWO not ONE but TWO RAINBOWS appeared! (NO RAIN IN SIGHT I MIGHT ADD!!!) Now is that LOVE or what! As Beth would say WHEWWWW!!!! I was on my face crying everyone's mouth dropped open! I cry to think about it! He was there telling all His BELOVED wounded daughters "I AM HERE!!!! MY PROMISES ARE REAL!!!!" "In this world you will have trouble....BUT TAKE HEART I HAVE OVERCOME the WORLD!!!!" Girls HE LOVES us so much! He is PASSIONATE about us! He wants us to be FREE! We are FREE!!!!! He wants to KISS us awake! His pursuit of you took Him to the Cross! He wants to give us strength and courage to move beyond our wounds! He wants us to know that we are His BELOVED...we are HIS CHOSEN, REDEEMED, SOUGHT AFTER, HOLY, DEAR, PRECIOUS, BEAUTIFUL, DELIGHTED IN, DARLING DAUGHTERS!!! HIS RADIANT BRIDE!
Amen! Amen! Amen! Thank You Jesus!

(I took this picture with my camera phone about 30min or so after the rainbows first appeared...the 2nd one had already gone...by the way this one disappeared right after the 45 min silent time...how cool is that! I love you Lord! )

Country Come To Town!

2007-09-15T10:51:00.001-04:00

Last weekend was my daughters 14th birthday! She wanted to go eat and shopping in the "Big City!" (our favorite thing to do!) My parents flew up to meet us! We had so much fun!
Anyway...we went to the real "Fancy Mall" (Babylon at its best!) (gosh and I love it...I admit it...so guilty!!!!) It really made me think...about excess...about image...and measuring up...Why do we love excess? Why do we always feel as if we have to measure up? Have any of you all seen "Measureless Love" Beth's new DVD? It is AWESOME!!! I love how she says, "All excess is rooted in emptiness"

Two questions she asks that I think are so good to think about...
Who do we keep trying to measure up to?
What empty places are we trying to fill? And what are we filling it with?

Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ. Galatians 1 :10

Dove Season

2007-09-15T10:08:00.000-04:00

I thought these were some cute pictures...It was opening day of Dove season...My husband loves to bird hunt...I feel SO sorry for those cute little birds! It breaks my heart! : ( ...I don't like guns either! Anyway here are some pics! : )

2007-08-14T09:08:00.000-04:00

Hi!
My daughter and I are trying to figure out this Blog thing! : ) Well needless to say we can't figure out how to upload the pictures correctly so they are very random! And my boys I promise do sometimes get haircuts! I love peoples pictures so I thought I would post various ones of my kids and family etc!!! I wish I could write something profound...that I could share with everyone...but I am afarid that isn't my gift area! (Obviously figuring out how to post pictures isn't my gift area either (Computers!)
I have just been so ministered to by so many of your blogs I just needed a place that I could write back in forth to you all! So here is my mismatched BLOG! : )

But I do PRAY that the eyes of ALL of our hearts are ENLIGHTENED : ) ... IN ORDER that WE may KNOW the HOPE to which He has CALLED US! the RICHES of HIS GLORIOUS INHERITANCE in the saints, and HIS INCOMPARABLY GREAT POWER for us who BELIEVE!
Ephesians 1:18-19
God Bless you PRECIOUS GIRLS! Emmy : )

"Movie Star" in School Play!

2007-08-14T08:59:00.000-04:00

2007-08-14T08:13:00.000-04:00

2007-07-07T10:39:00.000-04:00

2007-07-07T02:24:00.000-04:00

2007-03-03T08:59:00.000-05:00