First of all - I need all my fellow bloggin' buddies to pray for my Father-in-law. He has multiple kidney stones and a shadow (the size of a cherry tomato) has shown up on his kidney during a cat scan. We are believing that God, the GREAT I AM, will heal his body.
Okay - I just did Day 4 of my Beth Moore study - Believing God...and all I can say is WOW!!! I feel giddy and stirred up at the revelation I was given through God's Word. Here is my humble attempt to summarize in a few paragraphs what Beth revealed so eloquently in four pages...
In the beginning God created (Hebrew word- bara) the world. Bara means to create something from nothing. Basically God created the World with HIS voice. Then God created (Hebrew word - yatsar) man in Gen 2:7 from dirt (rabbit trail - God could of spoke us into being but many scholars believe He wanted to get his hands dirty in creating us). Yatsar means to frame/form from something visible. Okay, so there are two meanings of the word create in the Old Testament.
Psalm 51:10 "Create (bara) in me a clean heart O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me."
God creates a clean heart in us out of nothing...He doesn't need our self-discipline, denomination, righteous acts, legalism, etc. to make us clean. He "creates" a clean heart in us when we believe HIM and sincerely repent from our sins - so basically just by acknowledging Him as the GREAT I AM and accepting the blood of Jesus as our means of justification we are clean before the Ancient of Days. Hallelujah!!! Glory! I just know from experience this is true. Nothing I have ever done in my life has made me feel clean, new and fresh. No apology to man, no aid to the hungry, no checks on my check list of "right" living (be a good mom, go to church, be a good wife - can anyone relate?) have ever made me feel clean. BUT the minute I accepted Jesus into my life in January of 2002 - I felt clean...I felt the blood of Jesus washing every sin I had ever created away...he seperated me fromt them as far as the east is from the west.
Jesus tells us, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. NO ONE can come to the Father except through me."
Our world is so worried about political correctness and religious tolerance that we have let this WORD be watered down. Satan is a liar and is deceiving people looking for answers in Scientology, Oprah's New Life whatever, Buddhism, etc. It isn't an issue of Christians being haughty or small-minded, it is the TRUTH! We have to have courage to tell people the truth because their eternal lives are at stake. We need to quit judging them, condeming them, pushing them aside as lost causes...it is about loving them so God can be seen through us (1 John 4:10-12) I don't want anyone to be left behind, but more than that GOD WANTS ALL HIS CHILDREN (RED, YELLOW, BLACK, WHITE, DEMOCRAT, REPUBLICAN, PRO-CHOICE, PRO-LIFE, ARAB, JEW, POOR, RICH) to come HOME TO HIM. Not all roads lead to Heaven...we all have sinned and all have fallen short of the glory (me being the first in line) and it is only through the blood of Jesus are those sins washed away. Who do you know that needs to hear the truth?
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Bowling Buddies
(Ronnie and Drew playing a NASCAR arcade game) We took Ronnie to Main Event in Lubbock to bowl for his birthday.
Our first stop in Lubbock was Casa Ole. I know, I know not exactly a five-star restaurant, but it is Drew's favorite. He LOVES their green sauce and chicken wheels. While we were eating he said, "Mama, this is Bobcat chicken. It is making my "mooscles" grow (a.k.a. muscles). I am gonna eat all my bite-bite so I can play Bobcat football like Daddy." Then when Ronnie finished his plate Drew said, "Daddy, I can see your "mooscles" growing too."
(all three boys playing NASCAR arcade game)
All the boys bowling together.
Drew was so excited because his ball was green...John Deere green.
(the next two pics are blurry...I am in need of a new camera. I am saving as we speak!) When Drew first bowled, he would just put the ball on the floor and push it. Then he got creative and kicked it.
The next thing was a full-fledged granny roll.
His final method included running with the ball and throwing it...it was hilarious. Kade enjoyed watching. He was a little concerned that everyone had on bowling shoes, so he kept trying to bring our shoes too us. After we bowled we went to play at the arcade...I think the boys enjoyed the air hockey the most. Kade was on my team and made a great goalie when I sat him on the table. After the arcade we went to eat Marble Slab Ice Cream. All in all, I think Ronnie had a great birthday.
The next thing was a full-fledged granny roll.
His final method included running with the ball and throwing it...it was hilarious. Kade enjoyed watching. He was a little concerned that everyone had on bowling shoes, so he kept trying to bring our shoes too us. After we bowled we went to play at the arcade...I think the boys enjoyed the air hockey the most. Kade was on my team and made a great goalie when I sat him on the table. After the arcade we went to eat Marble Slab Ice Cream. All in all, I think Ronnie had a great birthday.Drew's new sayings - "That sure is a lot of water (or whatever else he sees)"
Kade's new words - "bye-bye Daddy", "uh-oh", "Bubba, where are you?", "Yes" "No, No", "Hi!"
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Happy Birthday Ronnie
Ronnie and Drew - October 19, 2004
Ronnie remodeling the boat this summer!
Ronnie singing to Drew
Thursday, September 25th, my sweet hubbie is turning 33. In order to celebrate him today I thought I would tell you 33 things about Ronald Devoy you might not know:
1. Ronnie was born in Memphis, Texas, to Roland Zeldon and Reta Ann Jenkins.
2. His family lines go back to the Goodnights of the Goodnight-Loving Trail.
3. Ronnie showed hogs and steers while he was in high school…in fact, he built his own stock trailor (which leads me to my next point)
1. Ronnie was born in Memphis, Texas, to Roland Zeldon and Reta Ann Jenkins.
2. His family lines go back to the Goodnights of the Goodnight-Loving Trail.
3. Ronnie showed hogs and steers while he was in high school…in fact, he built his own stock trailor (which leads me to my next point)
4. Ronnie can build/fix ANYTHING. It is actually mind-boggling sometimes. When he was 13 he took his Nanny’s lawn mower apart and fixed it without any help/instructions. He has remodeled two or our homes, built a cedar chest, bookcase, desk, & entertainment center. He has remodeled a boat, plumbed houses, dry walled, laid tile, etc. etc. etc!!!
5. Ronnie looks really, really, really cute in a cowboy hat and wranglers (he still gives me butterflies!)
6. Ronnie and his brother, Richard, are best friends. They look nothing alike and have many different interests, but when they get together they smile the entire time. Charla and I are always laughing at them because they start cracking jokes like little boys about things only they think is funny. When they were kids they dug up a water line, set their grandparents carpet on fire, & still to this day will play with their old toys their mom saved.
7. Ronnie hates things that are sticky. He will not touch the boys when they’ve eaten pancakes, suckers, etc. until they’ve had a bath.
8. Ronnie gave me the nickname “Sunshine” when we first met, and he still calls me that when he really wants to earn some brownie points.
9. My hubby can really scoot-a-boot. When we first met we went dancing all the time. We do the “old-school” two-step, and when we dance Ronnie always sings in my ear (which leads to my 10th point)
10. Ronnie is a great singer and can also play a little guitar. He sings “Silver Wings”, “I’ll Fly Away”, “How Great Thou Art”, and “In My Wildest Dreams” (our song) by Marty Brown.
11. I am very much a planner (o.k. I am not kidding anyone – I am a compulsive planner), but my hubby enjoys being very spontaneous and dislikes making plans.
12. Ronnie lived in Wellington, Groom, and Childress before he went to school at Texas A&M where he received his Bachelors in Ag Science. He went to teach high school science for a 1 ½ before returning to get his Masters Degree in Ag Economics.
13. Ronnie loves organization and cleanliness. He is constantly organizing my pantry and cleaning our vehicles (yes, it can get annoying sometimes, but I always enjoy it when it is clean =)
14. Ronnie loves the land that belongs to his family between Memphis and Wellington, Texas (approx. 2100 acres). Ronnie spent every summer working the farm land with Granddaddy from the time 13 until he graduated from A&M. When he gets homesick…he usually gets homesick for the land. There are so many happy memories and life lessons he learned out on the Old Savage Place, Old Home Place, Green Acres, and Old House. They grew cotton and raised Herefords. He can’t wait for us to buy some land and move into the country so he can teach our boys the values he learned from Nanny and Granddaddy.
15. Ronnie loves, loves, LOVES, steak. I have never seen him leave even a bite on his plate. He also loves cornbread, fountain drinks from Allsups, Wings’ n More hot wings, peanut patties, and my mom’s potato salad. 16.Andy Griffith and Seinfeld are probably Ronnie’s favorite TV shows. In fact, he missed many classes in undergrad thanks to Andy.
17. Ronnie is the kind of man who can say, “I am sorry.” We had to really work at the first five years of our marriage (the sixth year has been much, much easier) and we both had to get really good at saying those three words. I am thankful that Ronnie is that kind of man.
18. Ronnie comes home almost everyday at lunch to eat with the boys and me. The boys are looking for him by 11:30 and stick to his legs until he walks out the door. Most men want to go eat lunch in town with their buddies, but Ronnie loves to be home with us. He is truly a wonderful father!
19. Ronnie loves cartoons (old cartoons)…sometimes I catch him watching cartoons, especially Tom & Jerry, when the boys aren’t even around.
20. If I talk about cartoons I have to mention cereal…his favorite cereal is Peanut Butter Captain Crunch.
21. Ronnie is a BIG, BIG help with the boys. I think I forget how much he helps me, but I was quickly reminded when he left for an Emmaus walk in the middle of September. He baths the boys every night, plays outside with them, reads Drew a bed-time story every night, picks up toys, and occasionally helps me clean the house.
22. This might be too much information, BUT Ronnie is the best kisser ever!!! He He!
23. Ronnie loves pawn shops…(which leads into my next point)
24. Ronnie likes to pinch pennies on the little things so he can buy the really big things. He is quite the money-manager…(yes, we have spread sheets, pie graphs, budgets, you name it) I have to say, honestly, Ronnie has never made a bad financial decision for us in the 7 years he has been managing our money. I am so thankful that he takes care of our retirement, investments, etc. so that I can use that part of my brain to just focus on the kids. Ronnie still changes our oil to save money, but will leave a waitress a huge tip if he sees her working hard.
25. Ronnie loves to listen to Rush Limbaugh.
26. Ronnie loves football; he never misses an Aggie or Dallas Cowboy game.
27. Ronnie has never owned a new vehicle - he hates to go into debt for a vehicle which goes back to point 24.
28. Ronnie loves older people. He will just sit and listen to them talk for hours. Since we met he is never too busy to stop and help someone in need on the side of the road, in Wal-Mart, etc.
29. Ronnie is a “simmer”er…he never jumps in with both feet. He thinks about things and analyzes every angle before he decides yes/no. I am so thankful for this because I jump in before people ask, and he balances me out.
30. Ronnie is a great cook – he doesn’t cook often, but when he does, he always puts me to shame. His chili and gravy are probably my favorites.
31.Ronnie has a way of cleaning up other people’s trash and making them worth something. One day he came home with a bike from the dump, fixed the tire, and now we have a $200 bike in our shed.
32. Ronnie has integrity. He takes his job as Farm Loan Manager at FSA very seriously…he truly strives to help young farmers make good financial decisions when they farm.
33. Ronnie is a great husband – He totally supports me staying home...in fact, I don't think he'd have it any other way. When I am down on my post-baby body, he reminds me about how much he loves my C-section scars and stretch marks. He is a wonderful care-taker. When I was in college and had kidney stones, he drove four hours in the rain to take care of me. He is a gentlemen, opening doors for me ‘till this day. Most importantly, he is the one who got me started on my journey to meet Christ – the greatest gift anyone could ever give.
I love you Ronnie! There is NO ONE I would rather spend the next 33 years with! Can’t wait to take the boys bowling tonight for your Birthday!!!
5. Ronnie looks really, really, really cute in a cowboy hat and wranglers (he still gives me butterflies!)
6. Ronnie and his brother, Richard, are best friends. They look nothing alike and have many different interests, but when they get together they smile the entire time. Charla and I are always laughing at them because they start cracking jokes like little boys about things only they think is funny. When they were kids they dug up a water line, set their grandparents carpet on fire, & still to this day will play with their old toys their mom saved.
7. Ronnie hates things that are sticky. He will not touch the boys when they’ve eaten pancakes, suckers, etc. until they’ve had a bath.
8. Ronnie gave me the nickname “Sunshine” when we first met, and he still calls me that when he really wants to earn some brownie points.
9. My hubby can really scoot-a-boot. When we first met we went dancing all the time. We do the “old-school” two-step, and when we dance Ronnie always sings in my ear (which leads to my 10th point)
10. Ronnie is a great singer and can also play a little guitar. He sings “Silver Wings”, “I’ll Fly Away”, “How Great Thou Art”, and “In My Wildest Dreams” (our song) by Marty Brown.
11. I am very much a planner (o.k. I am not kidding anyone – I am a compulsive planner), but my hubby enjoys being very spontaneous and dislikes making plans.
12. Ronnie lived in Wellington, Groom, and Childress before he went to school at Texas A&M where he received his Bachelors in Ag Science. He went to teach high school science for a 1 ½ before returning to get his Masters Degree in Ag Economics.
13. Ronnie loves organization and cleanliness. He is constantly organizing my pantry and cleaning our vehicles (yes, it can get annoying sometimes, but I always enjoy it when it is clean =)
14. Ronnie loves the land that belongs to his family between Memphis and Wellington, Texas (approx. 2100 acres). Ronnie spent every summer working the farm land with Granddaddy from the time 13 until he graduated from A&M. When he gets homesick…he usually gets homesick for the land. There are so many happy memories and life lessons he learned out on the Old Savage Place, Old Home Place, Green Acres, and Old House. They grew cotton and raised Herefords. He can’t wait for us to buy some land and move into the country so he can teach our boys the values he learned from Nanny and Granddaddy.
15. Ronnie loves, loves, LOVES, steak. I have never seen him leave even a bite on his plate. He also loves cornbread, fountain drinks from Allsups, Wings’ n More hot wings, peanut patties, and my mom’s potato salad. 16.Andy Griffith and Seinfeld are probably Ronnie’s favorite TV shows. In fact, he missed many classes in undergrad thanks to Andy.
17. Ronnie is the kind of man who can say, “I am sorry.” We had to really work at the first five years of our marriage (the sixth year has been much, much easier) and we both had to get really good at saying those three words. I am thankful that Ronnie is that kind of man.
18. Ronnie comes home almost everyday at lunch to eat with the boys and me. The boys are looking for him by 11:30 and stick to his legs until he walks out the door. Most men want to go eat lunch in town with their buddies, but Ronnie loves to be home with us. He is truly a wonderful father!
19. Ronnie loves cartoons (old cartoons)…sometimes I catch him watching cartoons, especially Tom & Jerry, when the boys aren’t even around.
20. If I talk about cartoons I have to mention cereal…his favorite cereal is Peanut Butter Captain Crunch.
21. Ronnie is a BIG, BIG help with the boys. I think I forget how much he helps me, but I was quickly reminded when he left for an Emmaus walk in the middle of September. He baths the boys every night, plays outside with them, reads Drew a bed-time story every night, picks up toys, and occasionally helps me clean the house.
22. This might be too much information, BUT Ronnie is the best kisser ever!!! He He!
23. Ronnie loves pawn shops…(which leads into my next point)
24. Ronnie likes to pinch pennies on the little things so he can buy the really big things. He is quite the money-manager…(yes, we have spread sheets, pie graphs, budgets, you name it) I have to say, honestly, Ronnie has never made a bad financial decision for us in the 7 years he has been managing our money. I am so thankful that he takes care of our retirement, investments, etc. so that I can use that part of my brain to just focus on the kids. Ronnie still changes our oil to save money, but will leave a waitress a huge tip if he sees her working hard.
25. Ronnie loves to listen to Rush Limbaugh.
26. Ronnie loves football; he never misses an Aggie or Dallas Cowboy game.
27. Ronnie has never owned a new vehicle - he hates to go into debt for a vehicle which goes back to point 24.
28. Ronnie loves older people. He will just sit and listen to them talk for hours. Since we met he is never too busy to stop and help someone in need on the side of the road, in Wal-Mart, etc.
29. Ronnie is a “simmer”er…he never jumps in with both feet. He thinks about things and analyzes every angle before he decides yes/no. I am so thankful for this because I jump in before people ask, and he balances me out.
30. Ronnie is a great cook – he doesn’t cook often, but when he does, he always puts me to shame. His chili and gravy are probably my favorites.
31.Ronnie has a way of cleaning up other people’s trash and making them worth something. One day he came home with a bike from the dump, fixed the tire, and now we have a $200 bike in our shed.
32. Ronnie has integrity. He takes his job as Farm Loan Manager at FSA very seriously…he truly strives to help young farmers make good financial decisions when they farm.
33. Ronnie is a great husband – He totally supports me staying home...in fact, I don't think he'd have it any other way. When I am down on my post-baby body, he reminds me about how much he loves my C-section scars and stretch marks. He is a wonderful care-taker. When I was in college and had kidney stones, he drove four hours in the rain to take care of me. He is a gentlemen, opening doors for me ‘till this day. Most importantly, he is the one who got me started on my journey to meet Christ – the greatest gift anyone could ever give.
I love you Ronnie! There is NO ONE I would rather spend the next 33 years with! Can’t wait to take the boys bowling tonight for your Birthday!!!
Monday, September 22, 2008
Devotion - Thought I'd Share 3
Proverbs 3:5-6 “Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths.”
“Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord…” So I asked myself do I trust God? What do I trust in? I trust when I go to bed at night the troops will keep me safe; I trust my doctor to give me the right medication, and I trust a pilot to get me from A to B. So, I ask you, “Do you trust God is who He says He is AND He can do what He says He can do?” He alone is the Great I Am, and your name is….i am not!
“with all your heart and mind” – Is 26:3-4 says, “You (God) will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts (MIND) are fixed on you. Trust in the Lord always for the Lord God is the Eternal Rock.”
“lean not on your own understanding” – Isn’t it funny how we think if we talk about a problem enough, roll it over in our mind enough, and call enough friends for advice we’ll find the solution? It is like we are saying, “God I will call you when I need to, but right now I am going to take care of this problem by myself.” A Beth Moore study I did said when we do that we are making ourselves god. I don’t want to do that because I KNOW my name is i am not. Sometimes there are areas of our lives we won’t allow God into because we are afraid of His answer? Proverbs 28:26 says, “Those who trust their own insight are foolish, but anyone who walks in wisdom is safe.” Proverbs 16:3 “Commit your plans to the Lord and your plans will succeed.”
“In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him”- The word “acknowledge” is defined as knowing God personally, being in fellowship with God; to be ever mindful of God and serve Him with a willing and faithful heart.
“He will direct and make straight and plain your paths.” Here is the REWARD. If our minds and hearts are trusting God and recognizing He is the Answer to our life, I believe IS. 30:21 describes what will happen. “Your own ears will HEAR him. Right behind you will a voice will say, “This is the way you should go.” Whether to the right or to the left.” Then whether we turn right or left in our walks of life we will “be kept in perfect peace” and we “with JOY will drink deeply from the fountain of salvation” IS. 12:3.
APPLICATION – As I meditated on this verse last week, I realized it is SIMPLE but PROFOUND. ***If I will go to God for all of my life problems (from troubles with my marriage, the boys fighting and pushing, a hurt with a friend, even if/when I should buy a new shirt) AND then trust His answer to the problem as the right one– – He will be faithful to set my feet on the right path which is the path with the most joy, peace, and rest.
How do we do this, right? It is hard not to rely on our own wisdom (or at least it is for me), but God gave me this revelation last Sunday. Our God is the TRUE VINE – not the easy vine, not the big vine, not the cheap vine, not the quick vine, but the TRUE VINE (John 15). He promises me if I will abide in Him, He (The Way, The Truth, and The Life) will abide in me. So it goes back to what Daphne’s conference talked about-making room for God in every nook and cranny of our hearts so He has room to not only abide, but spread out, get on His comfy’s, put His feet up, and feel at home (Ephesians 3). Revelation 3:20 “HERE I AM. I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.”
“Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord…” So I asked myself do I trust God? What do I trust in? I trust when I go to bed at night the troops will keep me safe; I trust my doctor to give me the right medication, and I trust a pilot to get me from A to B. So, I ask you, “Do you trust God is who He says He is AND He can do what He says He can do?” He alone is the Great I Am, and your name is….i am not!
“with all your heart and mind” – Is 26:3-4 says, “You (God) will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts (MIND) are fixed on you. Trust in the Lord always for the Lord God is the Eternal Rock.”
“lean not on your own understanding” – Isn’t it funny how we think if we talk about a problem enough, roll it over in our mind enough, and call enough friends for advice we’ll find the solution? It is like we are saying, “God I will call you when I need to, but right now I am going to take care of this problem by myself.” A Beth Moore study I did said when we do that we are making ourselves god. I don’t want to do that because I KNOW my name is i am not. Sometimes there are areas of our lives we won’t allow God into because we are afraid of His answer? Proverbs 28:26 says, “Those who trust their own insight are foolish, but anyone who walks in wisdom is safe.” Proverbs 16:3 “Commit your plans to the Lord and your plans will succeed.”
“In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him”- The word “acknowledge” is defined as knowing God personally, being in fellowship with God; to be ever mindful of God and serve Him with a willing and faithful heart.
“He will direct and make straight and plain your paths.” Here is the REWARD. If our minds and hearts are trusting God and recognizing He is the Answer to our life, I believe IS. 30:21 describes what will happen. “Your own ears will HEAR him. Right behind you will a voice will say, “This is the way you should go.” Whether to the right or to the left.” Then whether we turn right or left in our walks of life we will “be kept in perfect peace” and we “with JOY will drink deeply from the fountain of salvation” IS. 12:3.
APPLICATION – As I meditated on this verse last week, I realized it is SIMPLE but PROFOUND. ***If I will go to God for all of my life problems (from troubles with my marriage, the boys fighting and pushing, a hurt with a friend, even if/when I should buy a new shirt) AND then trust His answer to the problem as the right one– – He will be faithful to set my feet on the right path which is the path with the most joy, peace, and rest.
How do we do this, right? It is hard not to rely on our own wisdom (or at least it is for me), but God gave me this revelation last Sunday. Our God is the TRUE VINE – not the easy vine, not the big vine, not the cheap vine, not the quick vine, but the TRUE VINE (John 15). He promises me if I will abide in Him, He (The Way, The Truth, and The Life) will abide in me. So it goes back to what Daphne’s conference talked about-making room for God in every nook and cranny of our hearts so He has room to not only abide, but spread out, get on His comfy’s, put His feet up, and feel at home (Ephesians 3). Revelation 3:20 “HERE I AM. I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.”
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Texas A&M Weekend
Ronnie and I made our 3rd annual trip to the first Texas A&M football game in College Station. My mom and dad kept the boys and Ronnie and I had Friday -Sunday to ourselves...oh yes, it was awesome. We started off our weekend at Wings & More - one of the great restaurants in CS. We went to the Tent Sale to get the boys some A&M shirts and then took a three hour nap at the hotel (we know how to live it up, huh) The Cinema was our next stop, and the movie Traitor was great. Saturday morning Ronnie brought me breakfast in bed and then went to campus to remember the old days. When we go to Aggieland it is like going home - I lived there for 5 years; Ronnie lived there 7 years. I digress...I stayed in the hotel room all morning and enjoyed the quiet. We went to eat lunch with a friend of mine from my first year of teaching, Nicole. After we ate we thought about bowling, shopping, walking in the park, but decided to go back to the hotel. We cuddled while Ronnie watched a movie and I read. I wish I could tell you how I enjoyed that afternoon, but even the word paradise doesn't give the relaxing afternoon justice. We walked to the game, and well, let's just say it we lost. BUT, the band was great.
I wanted to fill you in on some of the reasons I love Texas A&M. I love the conservative campus, the patriotism, and the tradition (click here to read about Aggie Muster, Silver Taps, Aggie Rings, etc.) One of the traditions is that of the 12th Man. "The tradition of the Twelfth Man was born on the second of January 1922, when an underdog Aggie team was playing Centre College, the nation's top ranked team at the time. As the hard fought game wore on, the Aggies were forced to dig deep into their limited reserves because of injuries. Coach Dana X. Bible remembered that a former squad member, who was playing basketball at the time, was in the press box helping reporters identify players. His name was E. King Gill. Gill was called from the stands, suited up, and stood ready throughout the rest of the game… which A&M finally won 22-14. When the game ended, E. King Gill was the only man left standing on the sidelines for the Aggies. Gill later said, "I wish I could say that I went in and ran for the winning touchdown, but I did not. I simply stood by in case my team needed me."
This gesture was more than enough for the Aggie Team. Although Gill did not play in the game, he had accepted the call to help his team. He came to be known as the “Twelfth Man” because he stood ready for in case the eleven men on the gridiron needed him. That spirit of readiness for service, desire to support, and enthusiasm helped kindle a flame of devotion among the entire student body; a spirit that has grown vigorously throughout the years. The entire student body at A&M is the Twelfth Man, and they stand during the entire game to show their support. The 12th Man is always in the stands waiting to be called upon if needed. "
Kyle Field - I think Kyle filed holds 88,000 people! When you go to campus you are sure to hear, "Gig 'Em", "Howdy", and "Man, it's humid."
Before the game we sang the National Anthem and had two fighter jets do a fly by. It was AMAZING!
The Fightin' Texas Aggie Band!
The Aggie Band is a marching band formed by the Core of Cadets on campus.
They said it would take 33,000 dollar bills to cover the television at the end of the field.
A picture of campus. The roof top is that of the Memorial Student Center (MSC). If you go to campus don't forget to take your hat off as you enter the building and DON'T walk on the grass. The students carry out this tradition to honor all veterans. 
Another tradition is Maroon Out - In 1998 this tradition started when the Ags played Nebraska. They sold over 31,000 maroon shirts the first year. It is just another way we show our support for the team and the power of unity. 
I am so thankful that Ronnie and I share a love for Texas A&M and Aggie football! We yell the entire game. We are hoping one of these days the Aggie football team will reclaim their position as threats in the Big Twelve. One of my favorite traditions happens when the football team scores. It is said that when the team scores on the field the Aggies "score" (kiss) in the stands. Tuesday, September 16, 2008
We Have To Catch-Up - Part Two
I have been so busy since school (though the boys and I don't even go) - how does that work? I wanted to talk about some many things I just decided since it is all so random I'd make a list...
1. I got my hair cut again last week. I told Kristi to angle it more, go shorter, and more blonde and I love it, LOVE it!
2. Our Bible Study group that meets on Wednesday nights at 9:15 started back up two weeks ago. We had 11 girls but I think we might have 13 on the roster. We are doing the Believing God series by Beth Moore and I think this could be my favorite of all time!
3. I had a great day Friday...after I dropped the boys off I decided to do a little shopping. I was looking for Ronnie a shirt for his 33rd birthday (Sept. 25th) but couldn't find anything; however, I did find a few "tiny" things for myself. Lubbock Mall just put in a Forever 21. Most of the clothes are made to fit girls who weigh less than 100 pounds, but I did find a cute, cute purple jacket. It has cap sleeves, a really high collar, and has two buttons at the top. I tried it on under an olive tank top (that I also bought) and asked the little girl working there if I was wearing it right b/c I am kinda rusty on new fashions. I also bought red Mary-Jane flats at Pay Less to go with my purple jacket and olive green shirt and I have to say it looked pretty cute.
4. My best friend, Sunny, from Seminole just bought the house Ronnie and I lived in when we were there. We remodeled it and the owners after us did more work to it (i.e. a shop, basement, media room, etc) so I can't wait to see it Saturday when I go to my Emmaus meeting in Seminole.
5. I cleaned out 3 closets (mine and both boys- I told Ronnie I'd get to his, but haven't had the "energy" yet, poor guy) this month which is something worth sharing because I really dislike doing that, but once I did it I felt so good. The other night I was standing in my closet and just smiling- I know, I know- I need to get out more.
6. Biggest Loser comes on tonight - YEA!!! I can't wait!
7. Drew and I started our version of Pre-School two weeks ago. He has mastered all his numbers, shapes, colors, and most of his letters. We have worked on writing the letters /D/ and /r/ and are starting on /e/. He really loves "school time" but Kade is not liking the one-on-one attention Drew is getting. Do you ever wish there were two of you?
8. This year I am also doing G.A.s (Girls in Action) for 3-6th grades (a total of about 25 girls). We don't do traditional G.A.'s; we are working off a curriculum a friend and I wrote this summer. One of the big events this year is delivering cookies to two-hundred homes in Levelland during Christmas to tell them what Christmas is all about. I want the girls to get hands on experience sharing the gospel and can think of no better way than for them to look at our community members in the eyes and tell them, "Jesus loves you. He would have died even if you are the only one. First Baptist Church loves you and you are welcome anytime." We are also having a community-wide lock-in with girls 1st-12th grades...I have to say I am PUMPED about this. It will be January 30th and I am hoping we get close to 100 girls. We will also do our "GA's Love The Troops" project again. Over 117 soldiers received sunflower seeds, magazines, candy, beef jerky, letters and pictures from the girls in a care package. The girls received several letters this summer from troops posted in Iraq talking about what it meant to get a care package from young girls. One man said, "It reminded me what I am fighting for." Today I got a call from our church secretary that said she got a huge yellow envelope with several letters for the girls. I love it! You can read more about the troop project Here.
I have to stop here - I will tell more about the song I heard this weekend, the little church in Lamesa I fell in love with, and our trip to the first Aggie football game later this week.
**I also have a new bloggin' buddy - Haylee.
1. I got my hair cut again last week. I told Kristi to angle it more, go shorter, and more blonde and I love it, LOVE it!
2. Our Bible Study group that meets on Wednesday nights at 9:15 started back up two weeks ago. We had 11 girls but I think we might have 13 on the roster. We are doing the Believing God series by Beth Moore and I think this could be my favorite of all time!
3. I had a great day Friday...after I dropped the boys off I decided to do a little shopping. I was looking for Ronnie a shirt for his 33rd birthday (Sept. 25th) but couldn't find anything; however, I did find a few "tiny" things for myself. Lubbock Mall just put in a Forever 21. Most of the clothes are made to fit girls who weigh less than 100 pounds, but I did find a cute, cute purple jacket. It has cap sleeves, a really high collar, and has two buttons at the top. I tried it on under an olive tank top (that I also bought) and asked the little girl working there if I was wearing it right b/c I am kinda rusty on new fashions. I also bought red Mary-Jane flats at Pay Less to go with my purple jacket and olive green shirt and I have to say it looked pretty cute.
4. My best friend, Sunny, from Seminole just bought the house Ronnie and I lived in when we were there. We remodeled it and the owners after us did more work to it (i.e. a shop, basement, media room, etc) so I can't wait to see it Saturday when I go to my Emmaus meeting in Seminole.
5. I cleaned out 3 closets (mine and both boys- I told Ronnie I'd get to his, but haven't had the "energy" yet, poor guy) this month which is something worth sharing because I really dislike doing that, but once I did it I felt so good. The other night I was standing in my closet and just smiling- I know, I know- I need to get out more.
6. Biggest Loser comes on tonight - YEA!!! I can't wait!
7. Drew and I started our version of Pre-School two weeks ago. He has mastered all his numbers, shapes, colors, and most of his letters. We have worked on writing the letters /D/ and /r/ and are starting on /e/. He really loves "school time" but Kade is not liking the one-on-one attention Drew is getting. Do you ever wish there were two of you?
8. This year I am also doing G.A.s (Girls in Action) for 3-6th grades (a total of about 25 girls). We don't do traditional G.A.'s; we are working off a curriculum a friend and I wrote this summer. One of the big events this year is delivering cookies to two-hundred homes in Levelland during Christmas to tell them what Christmas is all about. I want the girls to get hands on experience sharing the gospel and can think of no better way than for them to look at our community members in the eyes and tell them, "Jesus loves you. He would have died even if you are the only one. First Baptist Church loves you and you are welcome anytime." We are also having a community-wide lock-in with girls 1st-12th grades...I have to say I am PUMPED about this. It will be January 30th and I am hoping we get close to 100 girls. We will also do our "GA's Love The Troops" project again. Over 117 soldiers received sunflower seeds, magazines, candy, beef jerky, letters and pictures from the girls in a care package. The girls received several letters this summer from troops posted in Iraq talking about what it meant to get a care package from young girls. One man said, "It reminded me what I am fighting for." Today I got a call from our church secretary that said she got a huge yellow envelope with several letters for the girls. I love it! You can read more about the troop project Here.
I have to stop here - I will tell more about the song I heard this weekend, the little church in Lamesa I fell in love with, and our trip to the first Aggie football game later this week.
**I also have a new bloggin' buddy - Haylee.
Monday, September 15, 2008
We Have to Catch-Up
I took Kade for his 18 month pictures (2 months late) at Family Photo.
This is the way Kade usually looks. He wears that helmet 24/7 and always has that baby puppy in tow. The only thing missing is Drew's Lightin' McQueen crocs, but I had to draw the line somewhere :)
Kade did really well taking pictures. He was unsure at first, but he was hammin' it up by the end. I know my pictures aren't that great...I don't have a scanner and my camera was not cooperating!
I have been praying that God would give my boys a incredibly strong bond and love for each other because sometimes I feel like I am more of a referee than a mom. Can anyone relate? In this picture, Drew is holding Kade and singing, "Rocka and a rocka and a rocka Kaders by, a rocka baby Kader by," a song Ronnie's Nanny sang to Drew when he was little. God is good...all the time!!!
Ronnie is such a great Daddy. He has two bulging discs, but that doesn't keep him from playin' with his boys. This weekend Ronnie worked a Walk to Emmaus in Stanton. While he was gone the boys stayed with Nonni and Papa in Childress Friday night until Monday morning. Lala and Sich , Ronnie's brother and sister-in-law, took Drew to his first Bobcat football game. Ronnie played Bobcat football, so we hold the Bobcats near to our heart. Drew was excited all week...we even watched Ronnie's football video when he was a senior. Drew watched every play wearing Ronnie's old jersey and his Aggie football helmet and pads. When Ronnie would tackle or block some one Drew would run up to the TV and say, "Daddy, you okay? He's okay mom." The first thing Drew said at the game in the stands was, "Gig 'Em Aggies..." (I guess the brain washing is working already...He He) At the game, Drew got to catch a Bobcat football, go on the field after the game with Sich, and get a Bobcat Tatoo "Tat". He'll be talking about this for months...you can go to Charla's blog to read more about it... Thank you Charla and Rich for taking my boys to the game. We love you guys!
I will post more tomorrow on how my weekend went and what I've been up to the past few weeks.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
We Have Not Forgotten
My thoughts and prayers are with the victims families of September 11, 2001. I am also praying for our troops who serve so selflessly and their families. I ask you to also pray for Sarah Palin as she takes a stand for Christ, her faith, and our country.
Isaiah 41:10 God said, " Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strenghten you and help you. I will hold you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand."
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Thought I'd Share - Number 2
I thought I would share this devotion I wrote for something else with you on Ephesians 3:16-19.
Verse 16 “That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened (“kratos” meaning ruling power) with might (“dunamis” meaning inherent power) by his Spirit in the inner man.” The word “might” is talking about the power within us, our faith. Paul is praying we will rule with the power of our faith in our inner man, so we no longer have to be a slave to the circumstances of our lives. I think of the song, “It Is Well With My Soul” when I read this verse.
Verse 17 “That Christ may dwell (be at home) in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love.” Ask yourself…does Christ feel at home in your heart? I pray God never feels like a stranger or visitor in my heart, but that He is at home in my heart. Rev 3:20 talks about God knocking at our door, but we have to open the door before He can come in and eat supper with us. “Rooted and grounded in love” is referring to the fact that faith cannot operate outside love. Why? Yandian says, “Fear is the opposing force of faith.” 1 John 4:18 “Perfect love casteth out fear.” My opinion is…if we truly believe the Word of God and believe He has good plans for us (Jeremiah 29:11), and know in our hearts that He loves us (John 3:16), and have FAITH that He is going to complete the good work He started in us (Phil 1:6), why would we ever fear? When we have fear in our hearts, faith is snuffed out!!!
Verse 18 “May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height.”
*Breadth (width) – in Greek means “storage space”. God calls us to know the entire width of His Word…not just Spiritual warfare, not just the fruits of the Spirit, not just rapture, but the entirety of His Word.
*Length – Has to do with time orientation. The Bible is divided into seven dispensations (five in the Old Testament and two in the New Testament). Dispensation is like an administration. In the Old Testament each administration begins with grace from God and ends with man’s failure.
Dispensation 1 - Innocence – it began at creation and ended with the fall of man.
Dispensation 2- Conscience – it began with the fall and ended with Noah’s flood.
Dispensation 3 – Human Government – it began with the flood and ended with the Tower of Babel.
Dispensation 4 – Promise – it began with the promise to Abraham and ended with Israel’s capture by the Egyptians.
Dispensation 5 – Law – it began with Moses and ended with the Crucifixion
New Testament
Dispensation 6 – Grace of God, or Church Age – it began at Pentecost and will end with the rapture of the Church.
Dispensation 7 – Millennial Reign of Jesus.
Each time period should be studied, but we need to be very aware of the administration we are in, the Church Age, which is written about in the Epistles.
*Height – Attitude towards God and *Depth – Attitude towards men
Luke 10:27 “Love the Lord your God (height) with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and Love your neighbor (depth) as yourself.”
Verse 19 “And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God.” The NLT says to “experience the love of Christ…” Experience is defined as the ability to personally participate in. God wants us to experience, personally participate, and know His Love “which passes knowledge”. When I read God’s Word and try to truly comprehend that He would have sent His only Son even if I was the only one on Earth, I feel like that Love is too big to know. The word “knowledge” in Greek word is gnosis which refers to man’s knowledge. God’s love for YOU and me surpasses anything we, the human race, can imagine, BUT it is God’s will that we will know that love and experience it everyday.
I have to touch on verse 20 too…it is just too GOOD! “Now unto him that is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ASK or THINK, according to the power that worketh in us.” The key to this verse is the word “worketh” which refers to us exercising our faith. Yandian says, “When your faith is being used in prayer, God is able to answer your prayer and not only that but to, “do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or THINK.” Our God loves us so much He wants to give you and me more than we can even think of...BUT we have to have FAITH the GREAT I AM can do it!!!
Verse 16 “That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened (“kratos” meaning ruling power) with might (“dunamis” meaning inherent power) by his Spirit in the inner man.” The word “might” is talking about the power within us, our faith. Paul is praying we will rule with the power of our faith in our inner man, so we no longer have to be a slave to the circumstances of our lives. I think of the song, “It Is Well With My Soul” when I read this verse.
Verse 17 “That Christ may dwell (be at home) in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love.” Ask yourself…does Christ feel at home in your heart? I pray God never feels like a stranger or visitor in my heart, but that He is at home in my heart. Rev 3:20 talks about God knocking at our door, but we have to open the door before He can come in and eat supper with us. “Rooted and grounded in love” is referring to the fact that faith cannot operate outside love. Why? Yandian says, “Fear is the opposing force of faith.” 1 John 4:18 “Perfect love casteth out fear.” My opinion is…if we truly believe the Word of God and believe He has good plans for us (Jeremiah 29:11), and know in our hearts that He loves us (John 3:16), and have FAITH that He is going to complete the good work He started in us (Phil 1:6), why would we ever fear? When we have fear in our hearts, faith is snuffed out!!!
Verse 18 “May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height.”
*Breadth (width) – in Greek means “storage space”. God calls us to know the entire width of His Word…not just Spiritual warfare, not just the fruits of the Spirit, not just rapture, but the entirety of His Word.
*Length – Has to do with time orientation. The Bible is divided into seven dispensations (five in the Old Testament and two in the New Testament). Dispensation is like an administration. In the Old Testament each administration begins with grace from God and ends with man’s failure.
Dispensation 1 - Innocence – it began at creation and ended with the fall of man.
Dispensation 2- Conscience – it began with the fall and ended with Noah’s flood.
Dispensation 3 – Human Government – it began with the flood and ended with the Tower of Babel.
Dispensation 4 – Promise – it began with the promise to Abraham and ended with Israel’s capture by the Egyptians.
Dispensation 5 – Law – it began with Moses and ended with the Crucifixion
New Testament
Dispensation 6 – Grace of God, or Church Age – it began at Pentecost and will end with the rapture of the Church.
Dispensation 7 – Millennial Reign of Jesus.
Each time period should be studied, but we need to be very aware of the administration we are in, the Church Age, which is written about in the Epistles.
*Height – Attitude towards God and *Depth – Attitude towards men
Luke 10:27 “Love the Lord your God (height) with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and Love your neighbor (depth) as yourself.”
Verse 19 “And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God.” The NLT says to “experience the love of Christ…” Experience is defined as the ability to personally participate in. God wants us to experience, personally participate, and know His Love “which passes knowledge”. When I read God’s Word and try to truly comprehend that He would have sent His only Son even if I was the only one on Earth, I feel like that Love is too big to know. The word “knowledge” in Greek word is gnosis which refers to man’s knowledge. God’s love for YOU and me surpasses anything we, the human race, can imagine, BUT it is God’s will that we will know that love and experience it everyday.
I have to touch on verse 20 too…it is just too GOOD! “Now unto him that is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ASK or THINK, according to the power that worketh in us.” The key to this verse is the word “worketh” which refers to us exercising our faith. Yandian says, “When your faith is being used in prayer, God is able to answer your prayer and not only that but to, “do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or THINK.” Our God loves us so much He wants to give you and me more than we can even think of...BUT we have to have FAITH the GREAT I AM can do it!!!
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