Where'd the Time Go?

5 years later

(National Day of Prayer rally with Brad McCoy

at our church)

May 21, 2004

(the day I met my boys for the first time at their foster home)

It seems like every week that I'm celebrating (and maybe mourning) an anniversary that is yet another reminder of how fast my kids are growing and how time flys and how critically important it is to, as Scripture implores us to, "...make the most of every opportunity, for the days are evil..." Yesterday the boys were out of school, so we took them and the girls to Texas Jumping Bean for an afternoon of fun and celebrating. That's right - I can't believe it has been five years either since the day I met Brandon and Bradley (see picture above). It was May 21, 2004. Brandon was 4 1/2 and Bradley was soon to be 3. Ten days later on June 1 they came to our home to be a part of our forever family. Where did the time go? Brandon is finishing the 3rd Grade and Bradley is finishing the 2nd Grade. Both are doing incredibly well. Brandon is making straight A's, playing baseball, and is as handsome as ever with those dimples he came with at age 4. Bradley has been tearing up the soccer field (he scored all three goals in our final game of the year), doing very well in school, and does everything he does at Mach 1 speed. Brandon will actually be old enough this summer to go to Pre-Teen Camp; Bradley will be starting T & T in AWANA at church in the Fall. WOW! I wish I could slow it all down. They grow right before my very eyes; and there's nothing I can do to stop it.

Dear God, help me to not be so busy that I miss the moments to enjoy and treasure. Help me not to be distracted by things that don't matter and neglect the things that do. Help me to leave work early from time to time instead of staying so late so often to get one more thing done and miss the treasure of moments at home in the process. Help me to be more patient and not get upset about things that really don't matter. Help me to love my boys unconditionally and train them up according to their way - that is, the way You made them to be. I need Your help God to give my very best with them and for them and to them - just as You have done and do for me. These boys are worth it; and they just don't need to hear it from me, they need to see it as well. I can't change the past and I don't know the future; but I know that right now in the now I need to cherish my boys and teach them to be godly young men - in word and in deed. I love them, God. Help me to show it and say it more. Because before I know it, it'll be May 21, 2018 and then 2019; I'll be blogging about where'd the time go, and these boys will be leaving high school and embarking on life away from home and living for You, Jesus (I pray!). Time may be the most precious commodity I have. Help me to use it wisely. So that as the time goes by, I will have no regrets. posted by John

When Its All Been Said and Done

I sat on the back row of our FBC sanctuary today (Monday) and listened as one person after another came to the front to share about the impact, influence, and investment that their deceased friend had made in and upon their life. Compassionate, minister, faithful, musician, kind, caring, genuine - just a few words that described the life of a man well-lived. It made me wonder: when my time comes to meet my Maker and men and women sat in a room around my vacated body (I'll be in heaven) at that event called a funeral/memorial service, I wonder what they'll say. If they are honest and truthful, what words will be uttered from their mouth or in their heart when they reflect on my life? What will my friends say? What will my co-workers say? My acquaintances? My family? My children? My wife? I don't know about you, but that's a convicting thought. The truth is this: I've messed up a lot. Often times more than I'd like to admit. I'm thankful for a God who gives grace and second chances and do-overs. Even still, the Bible says in James 4 that my life is like a vapor - here for a moment, then gone. When will that moment come? I don't know. You don't know. Only God knows. According to Psalm 139, He had every day of my life numbered (and yours) before I even had my first day. My days on this planet will be brief, whether my time comes sooner or later. And question begs to be asked: will I be ready? What will really matter then? Enter the lyrics to a song entitled "When Its All Been Said and Done" by Irish worship leader Robin Mark:

"When its all been said and done, there is just one thing that matters. Did I do my best to live for truth? Did I live my life for you?"

There you go. Did I do my best to live for truth? Jesus is the truth. Did I live my life for You? So what will people say when that day comes? Awards, accomplishments, degrees, education, family ties, political ties, powerful and prestigious friends, abilities, portfolios, bank accounts - none of those things will really matter.

I hope and pray that, when its all been said and done for me, that I will have left a legacy - Like Daniel Nash. Nash was the behind-the-scenes man who traveled with evangelist Charles Finney in the mid to late 1800's. He would come into town several weeks or more before Finney was scheduled to preach a revival. His one purpose - to pray for God to do great things through Finney when he preached. The result - the 2nd Great Awakening. Thousands upon thousands of lives won to Jesus Christ as a result. According to Jim Cymbala's book Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire, if you were to go find Daniel Nash's tombstone in a secluded cemetary in upstate New York today, here's what it says: Daniel Nash, Laborer with Finney, Mighty in Prayer. That's a legacy.

So what will people say about you when its all been said and done for you? A better question might be: what will Jesus say? I pray the words of Scripture from the lips of Jesus might be the words He utters to me when I stand before Him: Well done, my good and faithful servant. posted by John

2 Sweet Years

Two years ago, this week, our sweet little Bethany came into our home permanently. I will never forget that day. We waited for her since the day she had been born, knowing we would eventually get her, but didn't know when. Her caseworker drove her all the way from Abilene to place her with us, her forever family. Her proud big brothers and sister were so excited she was coming. Brenna greeted her at the car, took her by the hand, and walked her into our home. So sweet!! What a blessing she is! I can't imagine our lives without her. Thank you God for the gift of this little girl. I'm so thankful you've allowed us to be her parents.

Here is the proud big sister walking Bethany in. She was 20 months old.

This picture was taken the first time we met Bethany. She was 11 months old.
Under the circumstances of her case, we did not get to keep her then. We had to wait a little bit longer, but when she came back, it was for good. I'm still very thankful that I had the opportunity to have her as an 11 month old baby, even though it was only for a few short days.

Where's My Baby????

I'm sure that most people who are reading this blog know that soon after we began to pursue foster care/adoption, the 1st child God placed in our home was a beautiful little 3 month old baby girl. That beautiful little baby is now 5 years old, has lost her 1st tooth, and is now registered for Kindergarten, "sniff, sniff"! I can't believe it! Time has gone so quickly. It doesn't seem that way, until I begin to look back at the day a caseworker placed her into my arms, and I wonder, where has the time gone? I'm sure all of you ask the very same question, but this week, it has been very real to me. On Tuesday, Brenna's tooth was barely holding on. She finally let me get a good grip on it, and with a loud holler and a firm tug, the tooth popped right out. She was so excited!! That night was Kindergarten Round-Up at our elementary school. Brenna Woods is now registered for Kindergarten and will start this fall. She thought she would be meeting her teacher and all her new friends that night. When I explained to her that she would not be starting until late August, she thought that was entirely too long to wait.

Here is Brenna showing me the hole in her mouth!

Brenna sitting on the hippo after registering for Kindergarten

One Blessed Mommy

On Mother's Day this year, God reminded me of a few things. He reminded me that I've been so blessed with a wonderful husband, 4 amazing children, and a mom who encourages me. Wow, what blessings from the Lord. I was treated like a queen on Mother's day by John and the kids and I thought I'd share my day with you. It started the Friday before when John took all 4 of the kids to do their Mother's day shopping, leaving me with some wonderful time to myself. Thanks Honey! He even took them out again Saturday for a little while to finish up. On Sunday after lunch, the kids presented me with picture frames they had painted themselves. John had pictures of them printed to put in their frames. What treasures!! They also made Mother's Day key chains for me. John had lots of pictures printed of the kids from when they were small until now, and placed them in a huge collage frame. You can see my treasures in the pictures below.

Me with my 4 gifts from God! John took this picture after church on Sunday.

My two very handsome boys!

My beautiful little ladies!

Here we are with my hand-painted picture frames. I also got the "Woman of the Year" Certificate. My family is so great!

Here is my collage frame that John put together for me. I love it! Thank you John for making my Mother's Day very special. I love you!

I also wanted to take a minute to say that I have the greatest Mom in the world. I didn't get to see her on Mother's day, but I'm so thankful for her! She has taught me how to be a wife and mother and I'm forever grateful. I love you Mom!

Awana Awards Ceremony

A few weeks ago, we had our Awana Awards Ceremony. The kids all earned awards for completing their handbooks this year in Awana. I was very proud of all of them for all their hard work. We love Awana and we love what it stands for. My children have memorized so many verses from God's Word, verses they will remember from now on. I'm thankful they are hiding God's Word in their hearts. May God use it to change their lives forever! Enjoy the pictures of the kids with their awards.

Brandon earned the T&T 1st book award

Bradley earned the "Sparky"Award for completing all 3 Sparks books. Way to go Bradley!
He will be moving up to T&T next year. I can't believe it!

Brenna earned the Cubbie 2nd book award and will move up to Sparks next year!

Bethany earned the Cubbie 1st book award

Exciting things in Preschool

I thought I would share with you a few exciting things that happened recently in the lives of our two preschoolers. They attend an amazing preschool at our church. It is a wonderful program and I thank God that they have the opportunity to be a part of such an amazing little school. They are learning so many things academically, but more than that, they are learning so much spiritually. Thank you Lord for Wee Ones!! Here are a few pictures from TX Day, "The 3 Little Pigs", and their Spring Music Program.

Here is Brenna doing the TX Tumble at TX Day! Roll Brenna Roll!!!

Bethany is "digging for gold"!

Brenna played the part of the big gad wolf in their production of "The 3 Little Pigs"!

Brenna singing "Sing Hosanna" with her class at their spring music program.

Bethany, giving her daddy a grin at the end of their music program!