I guess I can now say....I was that mom crying after she dropped her baby off for her first day of first grade.
Today our youngest four left for three different schools. One who started her first day of her last year of high school. One started her first day of her last year of middle school. One who started her first day of middle school and first time in public school ever! Then there's our youngest of nine who started her first day of first grade. Me...I 'm a mess! A mess because today marks a first for me too! For the first time in 28 years I will have no babies and no little ones at home. The last couple of years has brought a lot to my plate.Way too much juggling.Change was a much needed road that I had to follow. For me and for them.
So...What do I do now? I'm not sure where to start. All I know is when God calls you to follow you don't ask questions. Just follow! The road isn't always easy....but worth it in the end. To trust that He has a plan.
I read Ann Voskamp's post this morning ...I see now that I haven't been juggling! I have been going for broke! In this time of brokenness, a time of rest waiting for the rain of peace to fall!
I would be lying if I didn't say, yes...I have had thoughts of failure. You know the drill...the could of would of should ofs!
Then I read this....
He knows me by name
This was my favorite part....
So, even if this world and the accuser make you feel that your
name is failure, never forget that the Almighty God of the universe
calls you forgiven, blessed, redeemed, loved, and precious in His sight.
There is so much to be said about a life that is surrendered to the God who holds my life in His hands. Today as I walk down this unknown road of change I will hold my head high and know it was all for Him. I am His. He is mine. He is the god of new beginnings!
Now...where to begin?
37 years of growing and learning to be a great big family!
Friday, August 9, 2013
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
My world....
As our family grows...my heart grows. Had you told me 29 years ago that the journey I was about to embark on would include 9 children, I'm not sure if I would have even understood or believed you. But here I am...here we are.
Loving him for over 29 years has been my world! For better or worse...richer or poorer! In sickness and in health! We've done it all! Still I choose to love! I want to love! Why? Because of the covenant I made with Kelley and with God. Raising our family of 11 doesn't leave much time...or energy, for just us. In fact alone time is a very rare occurrence. As our children are now beginning to leave the nest, I'm starting to feel the butterflies of change happening in our home. My eyes are gazing forward at the journey ahead as we celebrate the 29 years that we have traveled. What an honor it is to be loved so deeply by the one who holds my hand!
Then there is this.....
Our Family...my world!
My two boys men! Oh my how I miss those little men who use to wrestle on the floor of our home. Seeing this makes all those tough days worth all the energy that they consumed. So proud to call each of them son!
This past year has been one of walking an unknown road of faith. Sending our oldest off to a country that is not his own. Experiencing things he had only read and dreamed of. Today he digs and studies in a land that holds the history of the maker of my heart! Of his heart! Oh how I miss him so!
And now what you see is a great answer to this mama's prayer.
I love these two! What a joy it has been watching their journey begin. Hopefully this time next year we will all celebrate as they too gaze ahead at the journey before them.
and just because she is just so darn cute.....
This my friends....is my world
Loving them and loving Jesus!
Loving him for over 29 years has been my world! For better or worse...richer or poorer! In sickness and in health! We've done it all! Still I choose to love! I want to love! Why? Because of the covenant I made with Kelley and with God. Raising our family of 11 doesn't leave much time...or energy, for just us. In fact alone time is a very rare occurrence. As our children are now beginning to leave the nest, I'm starting to feel the butterflies of change happening in our home. My eyes are gazing forward at the journey ahead as we celebrate the 29 years that we have traveled. What an honor it is to be loved so deeply by the one who holds my hand!
Then there is this.....
A couple of months ago this very special young man became a husband to a very special young lady. My heart is full of the joy he has brought to my life...but don't let that sweet smile fool you! He is always up to something and that grin gives him away every time! And he thought I had eyes behind my head! Shhh...don't tell him! This next December he will officially become a teacher too! Those kids are going to be so blessed by this young man! I hope he just rocks their worlds!
And now what you see is a great answer to this mama's prayer.
and just because she is just so darn cute.....
This my friends....is my world
Loving them and loving Jesus!
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Bullying...It's not a teasing matter!
I can't always be with my children for every event in their lives,to protect them and make sure they are safe from a world of hurt. But teaching them how to react when faced with those hurts...I can do! I guess having 8 siblings somewhat prepares you for the world! Maybe all those battles were for the good in some ways!
As I read the definition of what bullying is, my heart just can't let it go. I guess the mom in me can't seem to find the grace that my God and my daughter has for the three young men who chose to be the tail instead of the head. Three young men she thought were her friends. They lost the respect that day from our daughter and from the rest of those that were witness to the meanness. When others wanted revenge she said No....that's not what God would want! I'm proud of my girl! Those boys have missed out . They were so busy looking at the outward that they failed to see the beauty of a loving forgiving friend. A beautiful young lady who has chosen to lead instead of follow. I know she's not perfect! However she is willing to be taught and humbled from time to time. Corrected when necessary.
bul·ly 1 (b
l
)
I dare not put any label on any child. However, the mom in me would like too! I myself was called a bully once. Which I admit, I was not nice to this one little girl. However the meanness in that mother's tone towards me was far worse and to this day I can still hear her voice!
My daughter was met with some unnecessary meanness that day. Not once but several times.Words that cut like a knife into her tender heart. Breaking her to the point of tears.Words that set her apart from the rest of the friends that were surrounding her. Humiliating her in front of her peers. Some would say...Boys will be boys! Or....That's middle school for you!
I would say...Would you want your daughters to be treated like this? Your sisters? Teach your son's to be gentlemen! Teach them to be leaders and not followers! Teach them to love with the grace and mercy of the God they have been taught about. Teach them to humble themselves and make this wrong right. No apologies have yet to be given. However forgiveness was graced upon them days ago. For it's by God's grace that I will now lean upon Him as I teach my daughter to act justly and to love mercy...to walk humbly with her God. Maybe it's me that could use this lesson?! She seems to have learned this one!
Micah 6:8
8 He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly[a] with your God.
As I read the definition of what bullying is, my heart just can't let it go. I guess the mom in me can't seem to find the grace that my God and my daughter has for the three young men who chose to be the tail instead of the head. Three young men she thought were her friends. They lost the respect that day from our daughter and from the rest of those that were witness to the meanness. When others wanted revenge she said No....that's not what God would want! I'm proud of my girl! Those boys have missed out . They were so busy looking at the outward that they failed to see the beauty of a loving forgiving friend. A beautiful young lady who has chosen to lead instead of follow. I know she's not perfect! However she is willing to be taught and humbled from time to time. Corrected when necessary.
bul·ly 1 (b
l)
n. pl. bul·lies
1. A person who is habitually cruel or overbearing, especially to smaller or weaker people.
2. A hired ruffian; a thug.
3. A pimp.
4. Archaic A fine person.
5. Archaic A sweetheart.
v. bul·lied, bul·ly·ing, bul·lies
v.tr.
v.intr.
1. To treat in an overbearing or intimidating manner. See Synonyms at intimidate.
2. To make (one's way) aggressively.
1. To behave like a bully.
2. To force one's way aggressively or by intimidation:I dare not put any label on any child. However, the mom in me would like too! I myself was called a bully once. Which I admit, I was not nice to this one little girl. However the meanness in that mother's tone towards me was far worse and to this day I can still hear her voice!
My daughter was met with some unnecessary meanness that day. Not once but several times.Words that cut like a knife into her tender heart. Breaking her to the point of tears.Words that set her apart from the rest of the friends that were surrounding her. Humiliating her in front of her peers. Some would say...Boys will be boys! Or....That's middle school for you!
I would say...Would you want your daughters to be treated like this? Your sisters? Teach your son's to be gentlemen! Teach them to be leaders and not followers! Teach them to love with the grace and mercy of the God they have been taught about. Teach them to humble themselves and make this wrong right. No apologies have yet to be given. However forgiveness was graced upon them days ago. For it's by God's grace that I will now lean upon Him as I teach my daughter to act justly and to love mercy...to walk humbly with her God. Maybe it's me that could use this lesson?! She seems to have learned this one!
Micah 6:8
New International Version (NIV)
And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly[a] with your God.
Sunday, May 5, 2013
Bittersweet moments and a few tears....
My oh my what a week this has been! It can be said with all sincerity that our family NEVER has a dull moment! This week proved to make that statement true without a shadow of a doubt!
The month of April reared it's
April 25 was met with anticipation of a big hug from that boy of mine! To see his beautiful smile step off that plane made my heart do more leaps than the day he was born. After all it has been six months since he left American soil! Here he is meeting his niece for the first time!
The whole reason he came home was
With the wedding done we were on to the next thing....told ya we never have a dull moment! My parents have tried and talked about selling their house for years. A few months ago they bit the bullet as they placed a sign in the yard.Well wouldn't you know this same week a contract and an early May closing date would be set. That's great, except they have lived in this house for over 30 years! So thankful they have been purging the house for the last several months in anticipation of this transition. But much was still to be done. They were exhausted! She has been a good ole girl! I have seen her transform over the years with many remodel projects. It's at this house I fell in love with my husband....he was doing a house remodel project for my parents! I remember the first time going to see her. The family we purchased her from had boys and the kitchen smelled of spaghetti ! I remember how excited my sisters and I were that we would finally have our own bedrooms! How this would be our first home after the death of our dad just a year prior. New beginnings and new memories would be made. Oh the memories we have made! A new dad and new siblings. Good times and some really bad ones. We made this special house our home...this home became part of our family. With exhausted parents, I took over making sure the last bit of things were out and this shell of a home was clean and ready for the next family to make memories. I must say we did a pretty good job too! I hope they love it there as much as we do! As much as we did! See ya old gal!
With all that has gone on this past week.... the days flew bye! Last night after our friend's son's beautiful wedding I realized it was time for that boy of mine to leave. Sometimes reality slaps you in the face. So this morning at 5am I was awakened to "Mom I'm leaving!" I think it's time for me to hibernate....it's been a very full blessed week!
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
On becoming Mrs.Holcombe
Dearest Kayla,
It was just a few short 28 years ago that I became a Mrs. Holcombe. Leaving behind all that I had known for a great adventure of a lifetime. What an adventure it has been serving God and serving my husband. Praise God this adventure continues on!
In a few short weeks you too will become the next Mrs. Holcombe. Never again will you be referred to as Miss Foote. It’s a strange feeling to leave behind the only last name you have ever known. However it’s a newness that will come with so much more than you can ever imagine. So I wanted to share with you my experience of what it means to become a Mrs. Holcombe.
Becoming a Mrs. Holcombe has been the greatest honor I have ever known. It did take me a while to feel the part. But once I did, It was as though I had always carried the last name. You see the first Mrs. Holcombe I ever met was a very special lady….my mother in-law. She taught me so much more about life and raising kids…a lot of them! She embraced me as her own. I was blessed to have known her and to have gleaned from her wisdom. I remember meeting the Holcombe family for the first time and our very first Christmas….Oh wow! No words can describe the feeling of family! You see….Being a Holcombe means family. Lots of family! Lots of Fun! No matter how long it has been since we have gotten together, it’s as though we gather every week. Never missing a beat. Justin had a shirt when he was younger that said…If you mess with me you mess with my WHOLE family! That is so true! No matter where you turn, if you live in the state of Georgia, you will probably meet someone who is related or knows someone in the Holcombe family. I’m not joking!
As you and Jordan say your “ I do’s“, please know that you are not just joining your lives….you are joining your families. It's both families that have sacrificed and invested years of their lives to get you both to this point in time. It’s family that will be there for you until your dying day. It’s family that will love and support you in the good times and the very bad ones. I don’t have to tell you what the statistics of marriage are. In today’s world it can be one of the most difficult things you can go through but one of the most rewarding times of your life. It’s not just about taking but about giving. Lots of forgiving! Lots of unconditional love! Lots of humbling yourself and laughing through the storms! It’s about being Jordan’s greatest fan! Even when he may not deserve it. I assure you there will be those times. It’s about loving your God with all that you have and are. Keeping your eyes on Him when all the world around you may not be what you would have wanted. It’s about knowing that this is His calling for your life and no matter what you will follow!
Kayla you are a brave woman to join this crew. We are not perfect. We are mostly crazy. We love. We laugh. We cry. We forgive. We embrace whatever comes our way. But we do make mistakes from time to time…often. That’s why we lean on God’s mercy more than anyone could ever imagine. We are a family whose desire is to serve the Lord with all that we are. He has and continues to be faithful…always! So hang on for the ride as you join our family. I pray you feel loved as you become part of the team of Holcombe women. When the wedding is over and reality is back in motion, please know we are here for you always as we all learn to be an even larger family!
Even after 28 years I’m still learning to be the very best Mrs. Holcombe for my Mr. Holcombe! So don't expect to get it right in the first week....but you will try! So Burn the bread and the dinner! Then order pizza and laugh! Remember the good times and the bad. These will be the moments that you will share with that sweet little girl one day who has stolen your son's heart. She too will be the next Mrs.Holcombe.
Love you Miss Foote (Soon to be Mrs. Holcombe)
It was just a few short 28 years ago that I became a Mrs. Holcombe. Leaving behind all that I had known for a great adventure of a lifetime. What an adventure it has been serving God and serving my husband. Praise God this adventure continues on!
In a few short weeks you too will become the next Mrs. Holcombe. Never again will you be referred to as Miss Foote. It’s a strange feeling to leave behind the only last name you have ever known. However it’s a newness that will come with so much more than you can ever imagine. So I wanted to share with you my experience of what it means to become a Mrs. Holcombe.
Becoming a Mrs. Holcombe has been the greatest honor I have ever known. It did take me a while to feel the part. But once I did, It was as though I had always carried the last name. You see the first Mrs. Holcombe I ever met was a very special lady….my mother in-law. She taught me so much more about life and raising kids…a lot of them! She embraced me as her own. I was blessed to have known her and to have gleaned from her wisdom. I remember meeting the Holcombe family for the first time and our very first Christmas….Oh wow! No words can describe the feeling of family! You see….Being a Holcombe means family. Lots of family! Lots of Fun! No matter how long it has been since we have gotten together, it’s as though we gather every week. Never missing a beat. Justin had a shirt when he was younger that said…If you mess with me you mess with my WHOLE family! That is so true! No matter where you turn, if you live in the state of Georgia, you will probably meet someone who is related or knows someone in the Holcombe family. I’m not joking!
As you and Jordan say your “ I do’s“, please know that you are not just joining your lives….you are joining your families. It's both families that have sacrificed and invested years of their lives to get you both to this point in time. It’s family that will be there for you until your dying day. It’s family that will love and support you in the good times and the very bad ones. I don’t have to tell you what the statistics of marriage are. In today’s world it can be one of the most difficult things you can go through but one of the most rewarding times of your life. It’s not just about taking but about giving. Lots of forgiving! Lots of unconditional love! Lots of humbling yourself and laughing through the storms! It’s about being Jordan’s greatest fan! Even when he may not deserve it. I assure you there will be those times. It’s about loving your God with all that you have and are. Keeping your eyes on Him when all the world around you may not be what you would have wanted. It’s about knowing that this is His calling for your life and no matter what you will follow!
Kayla you are a brave woman to join this crew. We are not perfect. We are mostly crazy. We love. We laugh. We cry. We forgive. We embrace whatever comes our way. But we do make mistakes from time to time…often. That’s why we lean on God’s mercy more than anyone could ever imagine. We are a family whose desire is to serve the Lord with all that we are. He has and continues to be faithful…always! So hang on for the ride as you join our family. I pray you feel loved as you become part of the team of Holcombe women. When the wedding is over and reality is back in motion, please know we are here for you always as we all learn to be an even larger family!
Even after 28 years I’m still learning to be the very best Mrs. Holcombe for my Mr. Holcombe! So don't expect to get it right in the first week....but you will try! So Burn the bread and the dinner! Then order pizza and laugh! Remember the good times and the bad. These will be the moments that you will share with that sweet little girl one day who has stolen your son's heart. She too will be the next Mrs.Holcombe.
Love you Miss Foote (Soon to be Mrs. Holcombe)
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Remind Me.....
I have a gift to share with you. A gift that was given. A gift that only my amazing Father would place in such capable hands. A gift from the heart of three special young ladies whom I have had the privilege of watching grow up. One who holds a very special place in my heart. Yesterday we moved our sweet daughter to live with a family while she learns to lead worship and grow deeper in her walk with her Saviour. She's only an hour and a half away but my house seems so empty without her. I'll miss her beautiful singing and her infectious laugh! Our long deep talks and normal mother daughter conflicts! I can't believe I'm saying this! She's an amazing young lady who God is calling to do some amazing things! I hope she knows how much she's loved and missed.
Here is the link to the video. As soon as I can post the video, I'll replace this link. I don't think you need Facebook to view it.
I pray you are blessed....
<iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/video/embed?video_id=10200249729059837" width="226" height="400" frameborder="0"></iframe>
This song was written by Gia Lucid
Here is the link to the video. As soon as I can post the video, I'll replace this link. I don't think you need Facebook to view it.
I pray you are blessed....
<iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/video/embed?video_id=10200249729059837" width="226" height="400" frameborder="0"></iframe>
This song was written by Gia Lucid
Friday, March 1, 2013
Ch Ch Ch Changes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm not really sure if I should be happy or sad. This weekend will be a huge change in the Holcombe household. I have 2 kiddos moving out! Yes you heard it right.... 2! What will I do with all this extra space? Hmmmmm! So many choices!
Our son moved back home a year ago, after having been out on his own for a couple of years. He's trying to finish school and couldn't work as much these last few semesters. So...we rearranged and made room for him. He will be getting married in a couple of months and is moving into their little love shack! He will be preparing his home for his sweet bride while he's finishing school.
Our next mover is our sweet daughter. I can't begin to express my gratefulness to the Lord for what He's doing in her life. After much thought and prayer,asking God what He wanted her to do with her life... He answered. Not before closing a few doors that we have tried to open over the last year. Most of you have heard her beautiful voice. Well, she has been given an opportunity to go to a school to learn how to lead worship. Which we believe this is a calling in her life! God has placed a beautiful family in our lives that will be working with her over the next several months. Teaching her and giving her many opportunities to share the gift she has been given. She won't be able to work a job while learning, so this is a big change for a girl who has had a job since the age of 14. Her first lesson....Total dependence on God! I am so excited for her and can't wait to watch all He has planned for her as it unfolds. Sunday morning she will be singing during communion. You can watch our service via internet Here for the live webcast. Look in the upper right hand corner of the website for the link. Please be praying for her. She has never lived away from home and this in itself will be a big change!
One more thing.....My son is coming home for a visit!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And for his brothers wedding! I can't begin to tell you how much we miss him. I look forward to hugging that big ole boy who is now a college student in a foreign country and playing football again for a new semi pro league. 6 months is a long time to be away from your mama.... even if you are 27!
Now what to do with that extra room?! Pinterest here I come!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Our son moved back home a year ago, after having been out on his own for a couple of years. He's trying to finish school and couldn't work as much these last few semesters. So...we rearranged and made room for him. He will be getting married in a couple of months and is moving into their little love shack! He will be preparing his home for his sweet bride while he's finishing school.
Our next mover is our sweet daughter. I can't begin to express my gratefulness to the Lord for what He's doing in her life. After much thought and prayer,asking God what He wanted her to do with her life... He answered. Not before closing a few doors that we have tried to open over the last year. Most of you have heard her beautiful voice. Well, she has been given an opportunity to go to a school to learn how to lead worship. Which we believe this is a calling in her life! God has placed a beautiful family in our lives that will be working with her over the next several months. Teaching her and giving her many opportunities to share the gift she has been given. She won't be able to work a job while learning, so this is a big change for a girl who has had a job since the age of 14. Her first lesson....Total dependence on God! I am so excited for her and can't wait to watch all He has planned for her as it unfolds. Sunday morning she will be singing during communion. You can watch our service via internet Here for the live webcast. Look in the upper right hand corner of the website for the link. Please be praying for her. She has never lived away from home and this in itself will be a big change!
One more thing.....My son is coming home for a visit!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And for his brothers wedding! I can't begin to tell you how much we miss him. I look forward to hugging that big ole boy who is now a college student in a foreign country and playing football again for a new semi pro league. 6 months is a long time to be away from your mama.... even if you are 27!
Now what to do with that extra room?! Pinterest here I come!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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