Root-Root

This is Rooter!! My BFF- My sister in crime- My advisor- My sister in Christ- My bestie, My babysitter, My confidant- and she is going to kill me!!!!

Rooter and I have been friends for a long time. I don't even know how long, it seems she has been there forever. She is a strong women whom I admire, love & adore. She has found a new life now that she is a Nana. She adores her children and absolutley could eat her grandchildren.
We don't see each other that much anymore, but this is the one and only friend whom I can count on. She knows my deepest secrets, she knows my bad habits, she knows my weaknesses, and she is still my friend.

We have had some killer times together. We have lots & lots of memories. Most of them are good. Gosh , Robert K (we had Jason going with that one), spying, pajama parties, El Mexicano, Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge, The wedding, granny Bishop, at one time everyone at church was some type of animal (thanks to your son) B&C singing at church(show-boats) all the late night talks on the porch, lockins with the youth, all the after church parties you hosted, truth or dare Jenga, man I could go on and on. Thanks for the fun times.

Rooter was a single parent working 2-3 jobs, whatever it took to keep her family going. She has a son (Wardy- whom I absolutely can't imagine life without) and a daughter (Ashley-who is cream of the crop) who never went without. I know it was tough on Rooter rasing two teenagers by herself but she did it and did a fine job I might add...

I love her and she loves me and I can't imagine us not ever being freinds. If I need her I know she will come running and I would do the same for her(even though I have not been myself here lately and run out on her with the Christmas costumes) She is a workhorse, very talented and this is one woman you do not mess with. She will fight you tooth and nail especailly when it comes to her family...

Rooter was diagnoised with MS a few years back and through the years I have seen her health decline. But she is a fighter. I know a lot of days she does not feel good and she pushes herself. Does she take care of herself? I would have to say no, she puts everyones needs in front of her own. That is just Rooter. I wish she would think about herself sometime and take care of her needs. But that is just Rooter.

She currently lives with her daughter and son-in-law and her youngest grandchild (who she absolutely adores). She keeps Tanner while the parents work. Which Rooter would not have any other way. He adores Nana and they have a good time together. Of course if she was in better health she would have JC & Carson over keeping them everyday. I just don't think her health would hold up if she kept 3 rowdy little boys. Of course, If she had to she would just to help her family out. Her grandchildren have brought new meaning to her life. I have saw her mellow out. Things that use to would make her mad she just brushes off now.

I have saw God really work in her life.... I love you Rooter!! Thank you for always being my friend. I'm sorry for the times I have let you down... especially here lately.... Just know I am trying to get back.....

I SAY ROOTER IS A KEEPER AND SHE IS ALSO MY B.F.F.......

10 Things I am Grateful 4

1. That Erica got a lot of nice things at her shower that she really, really needed.

2. That Dorothy hosted Erica's shower and it saved us a lot of money because we didn't have to buy anything to decorate with. What a lovely christian lady. I must remember to send her a special Thank you card!!!

3. That Erica and Adam got over $700.00 at their shower- They should be able to pay off there furniture.(just another thing to help ease their debt)

4. That my ham biscuits were a success,and the punch wasn't so bad.

5. I got to meet Lu-Lu's little boyfriend yesterday and he actually gave me hug and told me it was nice meeting me.

6. That I got to see Josh Watkins Saturday night.

7. That one of my old youth members called me to let me know he had snuck off to Gatlinburg and got hitched and he wanted to tell me personally.

8. Ate supper with Ashley Saturday night at El Mexicano---Good time

9. Jane is coming home on Thursday.

10. That I have the best sisters in the world.

Happy 21st Birthday!!! Ms. Casey

Happy 21st Casey!! I hope with this new age it brings wisdom.

Casey is my friend, my cousin (of course it is so far down the line it does not count) my partner in crime. We have so many good times together. I have seen her grow from a protected 14 year old girl to a confident 21 year old woman. She has the kindest heart. She has been right there with me through everything. I will never forget her spending the night with me when Todd got killed. She sit there and listened to me. She is like a sister to me. She is always doing thoughtful things for me.

I worry about Casey, because she seems to want to be with people that use her. She is nieve to the evil in the world. She thinks everyone is as forgiving as she is. She don't understand that some people are not fogiving. Casey is smart and can do anything she puts her mind to. I hope she will reach down and find the drive to finish school and go on to be a nurse. She has it in her, she just don't reach for it. I pray Casey would find that Christian man or that he find her. Of course this is Gods perfect timing.

Casey, Thank you for the friendship!! Thank you for all the memories!!! We have a lot of them. Thanks for doing the worm when I asked you too. You rock!! Thank you for being by my side no matter what it is I am going through. I love you!!

10 things I am Grateful 4

1. That I got to see it snow this past week, without the ice.

2. That I learned, when I rob from God that I am robbing myself.

3. That Tianna hung out with us all weekend.

4. That Sara & Tara turned 16

5. That when I go to bed at night, I still think about Todd. I can see his face so clearly.

6. That I had a friend that needed me this weekend

7. That I have a higher power who I can call on to help me defer to silence when my tongue would rush to attack or defend

8. That my fellow men are part of my life and journey. God loves them and I should too, even when it is hard too because they have wronged me or hurt me. I must be forgiving!!!

9. Erica finally got her wall red!!

10. Casey turns 21 on the 21st.

Christian Living

Whatever you think, both in joy and in woe,

Think nothing you would not want Jesus to know.

Whatever you say in a whisper or clear,

Say nothing you would not want Jesus to hear.

Whatever you sing in the midst of your glee,

Sing nothing God's listening ear would displease.

Whatever you write with haste or with heed

Write nothing you would not want Jesus to read.

Whatever you read, though the page may allure,

Read nothing, unless you are perfectly sure

Consternation would not be seen in your look,

If Christ should say, solemnly, "Show me that book."

Wherever you go, never go where you would fear

God's question being asked you,

"What doest thou here?"

Have you ever found yourself somewhere, where you know for a fact you should not be there. Oh my gosh, what if so and so saw me here. What would they think? Come on, you know you have said that to yourself when you know you were somewhere you should not be. We are always afraid of what so and so is going to think about us. You know that is sorta hypocritical. What does it matter what they say or think if they see you there. Shoot they are there too. The important thing is what does Jesus think about where you are at.

What about the TV programs you watch at home. I mean, come on now, we are in the privacy of our home not offending no one. What is the big deal? You are watching programs that you know you shouldn't be, and the bad thing is you are talking about it at work with co-workers you have probably witnessed to or invited to church. We should be ashamed. We bring shame to the name of Jesus.

I go to church with a lady who has taken all the televisions out of her house. She does not watch TV at all nor does she let her children. I'm thinking she is a freak. She can't shelter her children from the world. That is really what most of us say. You know why, we are looking for an excuse not to remove the satan boxes from our home.. Really now, you know you are not sitting around watching Christian TV all day. Bravo!! to this lady, for taking a stand. The more I thought about it the more I respected her for taking a stand. She told me she did not want to expose her children to satan. If they are exposed to him through the tv, it will be outside her home. What you think she is weird, or that her children will be weird because they grew up not watching Sponge Bob Square Pants. Tell me one good thing your child learned from watching it? I bet you can't.

What about the books we ready! Ouch!! I read Fern Michaels. I am thinking they are really not that bad. But every night I do read right before I go to bed. Some nights I do read my study bible instead, tell me that counts for something? But I know I should be reading God's word instead of Fern Michaels. I know for a fact that I can learn alot more from God's word than I can from Fern Michaels. (nothing against Fern) But what does Jesus think about me barely squeezing my daily devotion in the mornings barely spending 10 minutes in his word. I know he is not pleased with that. What about the time I spend on line. I could be studying his word then too.

Let's face it... We have no room to judge anyone. I mean gosh, look at how we say something about somebody. What about the junk we watch on TV. What about the things we talk about with co-workers. What about the places some of us go. Yes, we fail everyday!!!

Father,

Teach us to be more like you. Teach us to be careful where we go, what we say, what we watch on TV and what we read. I think about the song I use to sing when I was a child. Not really knowing then what it meant, but fully understanding now. Oh be careful little feet where you go, Oh be careful little eyes what you see, oh be careful little ears what you hear, Oh be careful little mouth what you say. What a wonderful song. Thank you father for your forgiveness. Thank you for loving me, even when I fail you. Draw me closer to you, teach me to be more like you.

Teach me to be more aware of the things that are displeasing to you. I love you father. Be with mama. Continue to strengthen her. Thank you for what you have already done. You have truly performed a miracle in her life. You brought her through the valley, and I thank you for that. Thank you for my family and friends. Bless each one of them in a special way. Protect Justin, convict his heart.

I ask these things in your name

amen

Fire & Water

Is anything more dangerous than fire and water? In describing the trials of the saints, God uses these terms: "We went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place" (Psalm 66:12). The word wealthy means abundant, a wide place, recovery, or refreshment. God describes the trials, troubles, and afflictions of his children as "fire and water" indicating that they are very severe.

A Christian is never submerged in the flood and he is not consumed by the fire; he always passes "through." Even at the end of life the psalmist declared, "Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death." These metaphors do not necessarily refer to different types of affliction, but teach the same truth regarding God's hand upon us.

Both fire & water are dangerous. The both can destroy. When I think about water, I think about floods. With fire I think of a house fire or one of the wild fires in California that destroys homes and leaves families homeless. Same with the flooding. As we go through trials, as christians we know that God is right there with us. I can also look at fire as a candle with a soft scent that calms me and relaxes me. With water I can also think of the beach and even a relaxing, soothing bath. Which I can compare to the comfort that Gods give us.

What a wonderful devotion I read this morning. It is so true. I do think God for the trials, troubles, and the afflictions that I have been through and will continue to go through. They bring me closer to him. He cares about me so much. When you feel you just can't take anymore, there he is.. He rescues us. He loves us, he wraps us in his loving arms around us and shelters us.
I serve a mighty God.

Thank you Father for the trials. For I know you are teaching me patience. I know you are showing me that I need you, more and more everyday. Everyday I love you more than the day before. Thank you for all the trials you have brought me through. I don't have to understand the outcome, because I know you know what is best for me. Thank you for my family and for my friends. Thank you for all the things that you have blessed me with. I know father, they all belong to you.. Let me never forget that. I have what I have because of you, let me always be willing to give it to someone who is in need of it. Thank you for my church. be with my pastor. Protect him from the enemy. Protect his family. Touch James in a special way today. Direct his paths and his words today. Draw him closer to you. Be with mama today. Touch Justin. Speak to him and convict him.
Forgive me where I fail you. Draw me closer to you father. Thank you for my salvation.
In you name I pray
Amen

10 Things I am Grateful 4

1. Mama is coming home!!!

2. I am content in the Lord.

3. I did get caught up at work, after being out for almost 3 weeks.

4. I serve a risen Savior

5. I saw Casey yesterday

6. That I am nothing without Christ

7. That I will be getting free (yes free) haircuts when Erica finishes school

8. That my pastor did not fall this week at church (ha-ha)

9. That God just keeps on blessing me even when I don't deserve it

10. That I got to hang out with Lindsey and Tianna & Nathan yesterday.. What neat kids they are.

10 Things I am Grateful 4

1. We had warm weather yesterday


2. That Erica & Adam will be living closer to us than we thought


3. That Jenifers mom got saved last night


4. That I got to build relationships with some great kids while in Florida


5. That Randy & I have compassionate hearts for teenagers


6. That Jeffrey stood in front of the church yesterday and shared about his trip


7. That God is really working in Jeffrey's life


8. That I got to see mama on Saturday and she is doing so good


9. That I have a job to go to this morning


10.That God works in mysterious ways, and sometimes he uses me and I was not even aware of it.

Marcello Arsura

After 17 months in jail, world renowned cancer researcher, professor and meth addict/dealer Marcello Arsura couldn’t have said it better. Mr. Asura was sentenced to 35 months in prison for drug dealing while working for The University of Tennessee Health Science Center as a pharmacologist.

“I do really feel like a fool,” he said. “I had everything to lose and I chose to lose it.”
This was a man respected and looked up to by so many and he managed to lead a double life. As a degreed professor in the pharmaceutical field, he fully knew the effects of the drug that he ingested several times daily, yet crystal meth had a grip so tight on him that he threw all reasoning aside. It was only after 17 months in jail awaiting sentencing for drug trafficking and possession that he was able to reflect logically on his experience. Looking back at the arrest video he sees a man violently kicking and screaming trying to break the arresting officer’s grasp. Today he doesn’t even recognize that man.

“Crystal meth makes you crazy,” Arsura said, shaking his head. “It obliterated my ability to objectively assess my behavior. I did things I didn’t think I did. It was like I had out-of-body experiences.”

Aside from being sentenced to 35 months in prison, he was also ordered to write an essay on his experiences with illegal drugs and untreated depression. He also says he would like to re-enter the world of research; possibly studying the effects of meth on the human brain.
My hope is that a man with his knowledge and now real-world experience can turn this experience into something good. I truly believe these things happen for a reason and Mr. Arsura now has first hand experience with crystal meth that could potentially prove invaluable in the research world.



This drug is so powerful. I am told that after 1 use, this drug can become addictive.

My name is Crystal Meth

Hello,

You may or may not know me.



I destroy homes.I tear families apart,

I’ll take your children and that is just the start

I’m more precious the diamonds, more valued then gold.

The sorrows I bring are a sight to behold.
If you need me I’m easily foundI’m all around you in every city and every town.

I live with the rich I live with the poor.

I live down the street even next door.
I’m made in a lab just not the kind you think,

I can be made under the kitchen sink.

I can be made in the closet or in the woods.

If this doesn’t scare you to death it certainly should.

I have many names but one you’d know best

My name is Crystal meth.
My powers are awesome just try me and see.

Try me twice and your soul will belong to me

Once I possess you, you’ll steal and you’ll lie

You’ll do what it takes just to get high.

The crimes you’ll commit for the high and fame

Will be worth millions once I get in your veins.
You’ll lie to your mom and steal from you dad,

When you see their tears you won’t even be sad.

You’ll forget your morals and how you were raised,

Once I teach you my worthless ways.
I’ll take your friends, your control, your pride,

But I’ll always be with you right by your side.

You’ll give up your friends, your family, your home,

When you run out you’ll be all alone.

I’ll take and I’ll take till there’s nothing to give,

And when I’m through you’ll be lucky to live.
You can try me for fun but I’m no game.

Giving the chance I’ll drive you insane.

I’ll give you nightmares while you lie sweating in bed.

I’ll be the evil voices inside you head.
You shouldn’t have tried me how many times were you told?

But you challenged my powers how could you have been so bold?

You couldn’t say no, and just walked away.

If you could do it all over again what would you say?
I’ll be you master you’ll be my slave.

Don’t fear being lonely I’ll walk with you to your grave.

I’ll show you more pain then your deepest betrayal

So come take my hand as I lead you to HELL





This poem was written by Alicia VanDavis - An 18 year old meth addict. She wrote this poem while in jail.

Truth, Light & Love

Hear Me, everywhere. Whenever you have a question, simply know that I have answered it already. Then open your eyes to your world.

My response could be in an article already published. In the sermon already written and about to be delivered. In the movie now being made. In the song just yesterday composed. In the words about to be said by a loved one. In the heart of a new friend about to be made

My Truth is in the whisper of the wind, the babble of the brook, the crack of the thunder, the tap of the rain.
It is the feel of the earth, the fragrance of the lily, the warmth of the sun, the pull of the moon.
My Truth--and your surest help in time of need--is as awesome as the night sky, and as simply, incontrovertibly, trustful as a baby's gurgle.
It is as loud as a pounding heartbeat--and as quiet as a breath taken in unity with Me.

I will not leave you, I cannot leave you, for you My creation and My product, My daughter and My son, My purpose and My...
Self.

Call on Me, therefore, wherever and whenever you are separate from the peace that I am.

I will be there.

With Truth.

And Light.

And Love ....


God promises to never leave us nor forsake us. Sometimes it feels as though he has somehow forgotten us, but I have learned that when I feel that way something great is about to happen. God is always there to protect me, to mend my broken heart, to fix whatever is broken, make me feel special, to carry me when I feel I just can't go on. He is my Savior!!! He is my Father.

Birth Announcement

Harrison is doing great. We are so proud to have another baby around. I know Tammy does not like the name Harry- but look here- He will be called Har, or Harry one.

Set Apart-Check it out

As I said in the last post, I would post about the program we attended- "Set Apart"

God's holiness goes beyond being separate; it's beyond ordinary limits, surpassing, exceeding. the more God is our focus, the more everything else fades away. apart from god nothing is holy in itself. For objects or people to be holy, God must make them holy. God's touch transforms people from the commonplace into something special, different, and set apart.

God begins to make us holy-set apart- in his sight. He calls us to spend the remainder of our lives allowing the holiness we possess in him to be transferred into the reality of our thoughts, words, and deeds.. Our thoughts, words, and deeds reveal the depth of all we are and have in Jesus Christ.

As we stand our ground on this truth and fight to be set apart, we will be prepared to win the battle for personal holiness. You see, the more God's holiness captures our heart at a conscious level, the more eagerly we will also fight for the hearts of others.

Being set apart does not remove us from contact with the world, it separates us from sin, so we can more effectively win the world for Jesus Christ

The first Session was titled "Set Apart for God"- To be set apart for God means we are serious about living totally committed, pure lives for God in a world that wants to shut him up and out. He's promised to help us succeed in living to please him. Living a life free of addiction and entrapment of sin is possible. While sin is all around us, the Holy Spirit of God is available at all times to help us all say no to sin and yes to right living.

The second session was titled "Set Apart for Purity"- The speaker encouraged the students to remain pure. He explained that purity is more about what we say yes to than about what we say no to. He explained that they did not have to be perfect to be pure. Purity is simply paying more attention to the condition our our hearts than the condition of our bodies. It is when our spiritual lives infiltrate our activities and actions. God is more concerned with who we are than what we can do. Who you are is an overflow of what in in your heart.

Purity brings freedom from the things that clutter our life but we must search our hearts, lifestyles, TV habits, bookshelves, ipods, computer hard drives to see if there is any area of compromise that God wants us to face. -Psalms 129:23-24

The 3rd session was titled "Set apart for the World"- The speaker spoke on being a shining light to the world

We have been set apart to shine intensely, to emit steady light, to be radiant full of passion and emotion. Often times we find ourselves hiding in the dark. We should desire for our lives to stand out, to be seen in the light and to shine so that others will notice us. When we shine we become a light for others to follow. Joel 3:14- Everyday thousands of people are seeking and making decisions in an effort to fill their lives with meaning. Your world is a neighbor, friend, and schoolmate.

The words of Jesus welcome everyone with a love that's unconditional and free of attachments. it offers a place of refuge and security to the tired seeker. Being set apart for the world is not only seeing others as God sees them but allowing God to use you to live radiant and passionate lives in a dark and dim world

The 4th session was titled "Set Apart for God' Purpose"- It is easy to get lost in the world. However, God did not create us to get lost in the shuffle of life. He has a plan for our lives. We are somebody. We were created for a reason that can only be truly found in Christ Jesus.

John 10:10 tells us that Jesus came so that we would have an abundant life. Trust Jesus- He has the ultimate plan for our lives- Jeremiah 29:11.

Their were hundreds and hundreds of young people that made commitments this past weekend. It was so awesome to be a part of it. During one session they had pizza boxes on tables and those who wanted to make a commitment were asked to walk forward pick up a pizza box, sign there name and what commitment they were committing to and then take the box to the front stage. Look at what I saw.

There were 6 tables sitting around with empty boxes- The pic below shows one table with empty boxes

These are what were at the front of the stage-

This was totally awesome, they just kept coming. Their were over 6000 students at the convention. I am thankful that I got to be a part of all of this. God was really working in the lives of those there.

There were some awesome bands there too- Check out there websites

Building 429
Everyday Sunday

Kutless

Family Force 5

Steve Fee

SevenGlory

If you are a christian, God has called you to be set apart. The hope is not that you will become more spiritual or be more holy by your own efforts. It means accepting the presence of Jesus and his ways of compassion that would influence every part of your life. God calls us to spend the remainder of our lives allowing the holiness we possess in him to be transferred into the reality of our thoughts, words, and deeds.

I SURVIVED!!!!

Lindsey and I were real excited about the trip. Just to get away for a few days was great.

We made it back. I had a great time, but I am very exhausted. The bus ride is what done me in. I just re-couped from the bus ride to Orlando. Only to be tortured for 11 more hours for the trip back to Spartanburg. But let me tell you!! It was great. Just so you can be jealous. I laid out in the sun on Saturday..... The weather was absolutely beautiful. God really blessed us while we were there.

James done it up good on the planning part, as far as traveling at night. The kids slept most of the way. We arrived in Orlando about 9:00. a.m. on Friday morning.

We stopped at Golden Coral for a wonderful breakfast buffet. I got a few shots of some of the kids enjoying their fellowship time after being cramped on the bus for 11 hours. Here we have Steven, Sara, Kaitlyn & Scotty. On the phone is James.

Here we have Tianna, Lindsey & Sara. Tianna is always laughing or trying to make someone laugh. This kid is the bomb..... Once the plates were full these kids were doing some serious eating.

These are the Cisney brothers. Brandon (aka Sweeney) and Derick. These are two of the coolest!! Derick always trying to pick up the ladies. He is a for sure ladies man. NOT!!

JaMichael , Brandon, Zac, & Jeffrey

After breakfast we headed off to the motel. Where we waited until 3:00 to check in- It was a long wait. We stayed here at a 4 star motel. It was very elegant. The decor was gorgeous. Between the wait we went to the IZone area. Which was a room full of inflatables. It was a lot of fun for the youth. I got one pic while we were there and that is of Presley preparing to bungee jump.

The theme for the convention this year was "Set Apart". Encouraging youth to be different from the world. I will post on this later, I personally think it deserves its on post. Great theme. This was the first Wesleyan youth convention I have been a part of. It was great!! Great speakers and great worship. The bands were awesome too. I was very impressed with the program and what it had to offer the youth.

Speaking of being Set Apart, this is Adam Robbins. An 18 year old who graduated from Chesnee High school in 07. This young man was a chaperon on the trip this year. He is a great role model. Just an all around good kid. God has called him into the youth ministry. He is already teaching the youth on Wednesday nights he also has a small group on Sunday nights. I am very impressed with how God is using this young man. He is definitely Set Apart!!!



Until next time....