Planning a wedding is a lot of work! So much preparation...Oh I hope we don't forget anything!
Our oldest daughter will be saying her I do's at the end of this month. So many emotions running through our house right now....good and bad! Plans made then plans changed. Ok! I am a worrier! I never like to see others left out. Because of the venue we chose there is limited space. Our families are huge and take up most of the head count allowance. That leaves little room for those outside of family. We have been a part of a fellowship since it's beginning 24 years ago. Many have watched my children grow up and have shared many events in our crazy lives! Many of those we weren't able to include in the guest list. I wish it was unlimited seating...maybe we should have rented the Braves Stadium!
My eyes have been opened to the time and money involved in planning a wedding. In the future I will have a different outlook on any major events. RSVP's were once not as significant as they are now. There's a reason for needing an accurate head count!
There is one wedding that I know where there will be unlimited seating The marriage of The Lamb...Jesus!
One day He will return to claim His bride! All those who have believed and surrendered their lives to Him will be apart of this HUGE marriage feast! This is one wedding I don't want to miss! It's up to me whether I'm on that list or not! It doesn't matter what I look like,how I'm dressed or if I have money...God wants me just as I am. Woo! Hoo! I won't need a new outfit! Just little ole me! The thing is... I don't know when He will return...I just need to make sure I'm ready and waiting! Have you turned in your RSVP? I did about 30 years ago...I'm just waiting to attend!
37 years of growing and learning to be a great big family!
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Mom of 9....
Somedays I feel like the rope in a game of Tug of War. Never ending pulling and tugging at my heart, mind and strength. Being a mom can be unending days filled with mundane task that will stretch your soul to the brink of collapse. Multiply that by 10...guess who the 10th is?...Love ya honey! Finding time to recharge my batteries is near impossible at this point in time. However, I know my God will strengthen me to accomplish all that He has set before me.
When I set my mind on Jesus...I can do all things! When I set my mind on the goal...looking at the glass as half full and not half empty so to speak...then I see the blessing of being a mom as a blessing and not a curse. Each of our children are a gift...the very best gift I have EVER received. From the time I understood about motherhood...I knew that I wanted my life filled with children. I am so thankful to be married to a man who feels the same. He is my very best encourager...the one who keeps me pointed in the right direction.The one whom our children call dad. The one who I love very much and am honored to be married to.
I wish I could say we are perfect parents...however that is only partially true. We are the perfect parents for OUR kids. Do we mess up? All the time! Do we loose our patience? You should have seen me yesterday...well, maybe not! Raising kids can bring out the best and the worst in a person. But the rewards far outweigh all those things that suck the life right out of you. My kids are my life and it's because of them that I continue to get up in the morning.
Justin, Jordan, Emily, Sarah, Jessica, Lindsey, Rachel, Megan and Mackenzie....It's because of you that I am so very blessed ! Every grey hair, empty bank account, sink full of dishes, overflowing laundry room and total exhaustion... all are a result of you being here. However, nothing can compare to the smiles,hugs,laughter and all out joy that you bring to my life! I consider it an honor to be your mom..I love you!
Karen...Mom of 9!
When I set my mind on Jesus...I can do all things! When I set my mind on the goal...looking at the glass as half full and not half empty so to speak...then I see the blessing of being a mom as a blessing and not a curse. Each of our children are a gift...the very best gift I have EVER received. From the time I understood about motherhood...I knew that I wanted my life filled with children. I am so thankful to be married to a man who feels the same. He is my very best encourager...the one who keeps me pointed in the right direction.The one whom our children call dad. The one who I love very much and am honored to be married to.
I wish I could say we are perfect parents...however that is only partially true. We are the perfect parents for OUR kids. Do we mess up? All the time! Do we loose our patience? You should have seen me yesterday...well, maybe not! Raising kids can bring out the best and the worst in a person. But the rewards far outweigh all those things that suck the life right out of you. My kids are my life and it's because of them that I continue to get up in the morning.
Justin, Jordan, Emily, Sarah, Jessica, Lindsey, Rachel, Megan and Mackenzie....It's because of you that I am so very blessed ! Every grey hair, empty bank account, sink full of dishes, overflowing laundry room and total exhaustion... all are a result of you being here. However, nothing can compare to the smiles,hugs,laughter and all out joy that you bring to my life! I consider it an honor to be your mom..I love you!
Karen...Mom of 9!
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Day 7... the BB gun is coming out!
At first I felt really sorry for this bird...however, it is becoming an annoying nuisance! At 6:30 this morning ...seriously! I thought the rooster across the street was bad...2 am and 4 am ...cock-a-doodle- doooooooooo! Is the country life ever really quiet?
Maybe I should grease the window....kinda like the pole to the bird feeder to prevent squirrels from getting to the birdseed. Suggestions??? I'm ready to pull out the BB gun, but knowing me I would just break the window and then that bird would fly in the house!
Let's face it....Life in the Holcombe house is never dull!
Maybe I should grease the window....kinda like the pole to the bird feeder to prevent squirrels from getting to the birdseed. Suggestions??? I'm ready to pull out the BB gun, but knowing me I would just break the window and then that bird would fly in the house!
Let's face it....Life in the Holcombe house is never dull!
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Knock and the door shall be opened....
Update...Day 6- 7am wake up call...She's definitely an alcoholic!
Update...Day 5-No sight from our friend today...but my cousin says they do this at his office every spring...something about fermented berries? Great....I have a drunk bird that loves my kitchen window!
Update...Day 4- 8am...Still knocking...And I thought my kids were hard headed!
Update...Day 3-Bird was knocking this morning...7am! Something is not right with that bird!
Update...Day 2- Bird is back and still knocking!
For the last two hours...YES! I said 2 hours...this poor bird has been bumping into our kitchen window. I have gone outside and scared it away...but it keeps returning to the same window. OK the thumping is really starting to bother me! This bird has got to have a headache! Have you ever had odd things happen and just wonder...maybe God is trying to get your attention? If this isn't one of those times, I'm not sure how much more clear God can be..sometimes God just has to keep knocking on the door to my heart! God speaks to us in many ways...even using little birds to get His message across to our hearts.
Update...Day 5-No sight from our friend today...but my cousin says they do this at his office every spring...something about fermented berries? Great....I have a drunk bird that loves my kitchen window!
Update...Day 4- 8am...Still knocking...And I thought my kids were hard headed!
Update...Day 3-Bird was knocking this morning...7am! Something is not right with that bird!
Update...Day 2- Bird is back and still knocking!
Sometimes life can get the best of me when my focus is on my flesh and not on the one who created me. Overwhelmed would be an understatement right now...but I know my redeemer has my life in His hands. He sometimes allows me to keep bumping my head against that door I so badly want to enter...the wrong door...the one that He sees what is on the other side. He will try so much to direct me towards the one He has prepared for me to enter...patiently waiting watching me as I struggle...I know it breaks His heart to watch! All the while never leaving my side...allowing me to choose which door!
As I have finally set down to type this...our little bird has flown away! Humm...I wonder what God is up too!
Matthew 7:7 (New International Version)
Ask, Seek, Knock 7"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.
Ask, Seek, Knock 7"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.
Psalm 91
1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. [a]
2 I will say [b] of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."
3 Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
5 You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day,
6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.
7 A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.
8 You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked.
9 If you make the Most High your dwelling— even the LORD, who is my refuge-
10 then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent.
11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;
12 they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
13 You will tread upon the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent.
14 "Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
15 He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.
16 With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation."
1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. [a]
2 I will say [b] of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."
3 Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
5 You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day,
6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.
7 A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.
8 You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked.
9 If you make the Most High your dwelling— even the LORD, who is my refuge-
10 then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent.
11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;
12 they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
13 You will tread upon the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent.
14 "Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
15 He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.
16 With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation."
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Prayer...Two knees and a willing heart...
I bet you can guess what the topic of discussion was today..."Obama cancels the National Day of Prayer!" That is somewhat true...The White House in the past has had a formal ceremony on this day. When President Obama took office those events have ceased. So...the actual day is still planned just not a White House recognition of the day. Today a Federal Judge in Madison ruled The National Day of Prayer was unconstitutional. All this was brought on by lawsuits near the end of the Bush administration from a group of atheists and agnostics.
Who needs just one day to pray for our nation? If prayer is so important ...shouldn't it be a daily event? Who needs a president to have a National Day of prayer? All it takes is a willing heart and two knees...
I know prayer changes things! I have seen many answered...not always the way I would have liked, but always in a manner much better than I would have dreamed. There have even been times I would have a fleeting thought and before I knew it God had set in motion the answer to that prayer. My God loves me and knows my heart...better than I do!
Here is a posting I read the other day...Something to think about!
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. (1 Corinthians 16:13) Never pray for an easier life-pray to be a stronger person! Never pray for tasks equal to your power-pray for power equal to your tasks. Then doing your work will be no miracle-YOU will be the miracle! (A quote by Phillips ......Brooks 1835-1893 composer of the lyrics 'O Little Town of Bethlehem'.)
I say we have a National Day of Praying for Our President...How can we complain about this administration if we are not lifting him up before our Heavenly Father? God knows President Obama's heart...He knows it all! I know I wouldn't want his job! Maybe if we all petitioned before the Lord our president and his administration... God would move in a mighty way!
I'm off to change my Father's heart...I'm on my two knees and my heart is willing!
Who needs just one day to pray for our nation? If prayer is so important ...shouldn't it be a daily event? Who needs a president to have a National Day of prayer? All it takes is a willing heart and two knees...
I know prayer changes things! I have seen many answered...not always the way I would have liked, but always in a manner much better than I would have dreamed. There have even been times I would have a fleeting thought and before I knew it God had set in motion the answer to that prayer. My God loves me and knows my heart...better than I do!
Here is a posting I read the other day...Something to think about!
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. (1 Corinthians 16:13) Never pray for an easier life-pray to be a stronger person! Never pray for tasks equal to your power-pray for power equal to your tasks. Then doing your work will be no miracle-YOU will be the miracle! (A quote by Phillips ......Brooks 1835-1893 composer of the lyrics 'O Little Town of Bethlehem'.)
I say we have a National Day of Praying for Our President...How can we complain about this administration if we are not lifting him up before our Heavenly Father? God knows President Obama's heart...He knows it all! I know I wouldn't want his job! Maybe if we all petitioned before the Lord our president and his administration... God would move in a mighty way!
I'm off to change my Father's heart...I'm on my two knees and my heart is willing!
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Retreat in the middle of nowhere...Home!!!
Several years ago I attended a ladies retreat in a beautiful area that I now call home. This retreat center is just 1 mile from where we now live. At the time I felt so lost driving these roads to find this little retreat out in the middle of nowhere. I love our nowhere...however the rooster who has his clock all mixed up... 2 and 4 am calls not so cool!
At this retreat several woman took on responsibilities to make this weekend happen. One in particular caught my heart. She was in charge of the ladies lunch and what a beautiful spread it was. All the planning and many hours of preparing a meal for many woman...only to consume it in a matter of minutes While we were enjoying the retreat center she was working..with some help from others. I guess I related to her because I do have those "Martha " tendencies... always busy never just sitting to listen and be quiet. As the lunch wound down I looked out to see this special woman sitting on a bench way down at the bottom of the hill. Sitting...Still...Quiet...finally alone with her Lord.
That picture has stood in my mind for many years. I think so many times I get so caught up in all the preparing for an event, holiday or just a simple day... I neglect to just sit and be quiet before the Lord and listen. He is the reason I am here...why would I not take the time to listen ?
Today is Easter Sunday and yes I am cooking for a crowd...with my hubby's help. Days of preparing and cooking have been spent. When the meal is over...I think I will head to the bottom of that hill and just sit...my Lord is waiting!
As this day ends, take the time to reflect what this day is really all about. Jesus died so you could have life. Your sins are all wiped away at that very moment you surrender your life to Him. He's patiently waiting on you...get still and quiet before Him. He has so much He's been wanting to say. He has a great listening ear too!
John 3:16 (New International Version)
16"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,[a] that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
At this retreat several woman took on responsibilities to make this weekend happen. One in particular caught my heart. She was in charge of the ladies lunch and what a beautiful spread it was. All the planning and many hours of preparing a meal for many woman...only to consume it in a matter of minutes While we were enjoying the retreat center she was working..with some help from others. I guess I related to her because I do have those "Martha " tendencies... always busy never just sitting to listen and be quiet. As the lunch wound down I looked out to see this special woman sitting on a bench way down at the bottom of the hill. Sitting...Still...Quiet...finally alone with her Lord.
That picture has stood in my mind for many years. I think so many times I get so caught up in all the preparing for an event, holiday or just a simple day... I neglect to just sit and be quiet before the Lord and listen. He is the reason I am here...why would I not take the time to listen ?
Today is Easter Sunday and yes I am cooking for a crowd...with my hubby's help. Days of preparing and cooking have been spent. When the meal is over...I think I will head to the bottom of that hill and just sit...my Lord is waiting!
As this day ends, take the time to reflect what this day is really all about. Jesus died so you could have life. Your sins are all wiped away at that very moment you surrender your life to Him. He's patiently waiting on you...get still and quiet before Him. He has so much He's been wanting to say. He has a great listening ear too!
John 3:16 (New International Version)
16"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,[a] that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
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