Car Wash

Friday was a fun day spent outside with the kids! I had gotten my car washed before coming home and well the girls decided Whit's car needed a wash too!

I don't know who had more fun...the girls or Whit! The girls were so great about letting him

get into the water and well make a HUGE mess! I just knew they would get frustrated but they were great BIG sisters!

I had a fantastic time taking pics and enjoying my beautiful children and the beautiful day that God had so graciously given me! I use to get all up-tight about getting so messy...I guess God has taught me a few things over the years....thank YOU!!!

Only take heed to yourself, and diligently keep yourself, lest you forget the things your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. And teach them to your children and your grandchildren.

Deuteronomy 4:9

A Blessed Week that had a Hectic Forcast

What a week! What a hectic week! I am so blessed to know that even though I may have forgotten to "be still" with my Lord, He will never be mad at me. Through all the hustle and bustle of life, however, I have got to remind myself to make an effort to "be still" with Him.

This week has been utterly chaotic! Cora Jane got sick and missed some school, I shared mine and Lila Rae's testimony with a friend's church group--which was AWESOME, we had our "on the farm" interview--which was AWESOME, our profile for the GA Monitor was yesterday--it went FANTASTIC, our hot water-heater went out--not so fantastic.

As you can tell we've had our share of excitement this week, but by God's grace the good out weigh the bad! In fact, Cora Jane is feeling better and so we've really won this week!

I am exhausted...to say the least. But today, as I reflect over the week's activities, I am ashamed to say that I not once got "still" with God. Now don't get me wrong we talked ALOT this week....in between shuffling everyone everywhere but I never got "still" long enough...or alone for that matter...to talk to Him. He wasn't on my priority list.

Dear Lord,

I promise I am going to do better Lord! Will you help me! I want to talk to you...just me and you! Help me find that moment of quietness so that I can "be still" with You. Help me to put You on the top of my priority list. Thank you Lord for a week abundant with blessings...you never cease to amaze me!

Amen.

He chose what the world thinks is unimportant and what the world looks down on and thinks is nothing in order to destroy what the world thinks is important.

1 Corinthians 1:28

Proverbs 31-Morning Prayer

You all know how much I love proverbs31 devotions. Well this morning is no different. The writer shares a beautiful prayer that really touches my heart.

I have a young friend who is facing difficult decisions and this prayer just sang her name!

I pray that you will visit their website and check out today's devotion....even sign up for their daily devotions via email. They truly touch my heart.

Lord, may nothing separate me from You today. Teach me how to choose only Your way today so each step will lead me closer to You.

Help me walk by the truth and not my feelings. Help me to keep my heart pure and undivided. Protect me from my own careless thoughts, words and actions.

And keep me from being distracted by MY wants, MY desires, MY thoughts on how things should be. Help me to embrace what comes my way as an opportunity...rather than a personal inconvenience.

And finally, help me to rest in the truth of Psalm 86:13a, "Great is your love toward me."

You already see all the many ways I will surely fall short and mess up. But right now, I consciously tuck Your whisper of absolute love for me into the deepest part of my heart. I recognize Your love for me is not based on my performance. You love me warts and all. Have mercy, that's amazing.

But what's most amazing is that the God of the Universe, the Savior of the world, would desire a few minutes with me this morning. Lord, help me to forever remember what a gift it is to sit with You like this.

Dear Lord, I love You. All that I have read here is the desire of my heart. I know and confess that sometimes my actions and reactions betray my love for You. Please forgive me. Thank You for Your grace that is able to recognize this new day as a new chance to walk closer with You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Hey if your in the Ocala/Gainesville, back home, then I have some exciting news for you.

I'm coming to visit soon....no I'm just kidding...I am coming soon but thats not the exciting news..haha!

My cousin and sister in Christ, Sarah Joe, is hosting a H.O.P.E. (Hearts Open to People Everywhere) Come hang out, eat desert and share in a short Bible study. It starts at 7:30 TONIGHT. Let me know if anyone wants to join us...the more the merrier!

Contact me if you need more info!

Have a great day and may we all walk a little closer to Thee today!

Wordless Wednesday

My VK is one sassy lil' bug! I love her so much and thank God everyday for her beauty inside and out! She is one beautiful spirit!

My Man

Last night, Cory and I were honored at the Georgia Farm Bureau District 10 Annual Awards Dinner. We have been chosen as the Young Farmer Achievement Winner for the District. We are also in the top three for the state award.

We had a great time. What a treat! The kids were with friends and we got a excellent free meal! All in the company of some great peers.

The Lord has truly blessed me with a fantastic husband! Yes, he can be aggravating, late, and well a man! (insert smile) But at the end of the day we are one! We have grown so much in our relationship that its hard to imagine it getting any better. There are of course the occasional disagreements but nothin' too big!

I am SUPER proud of him and who he has become...I like to think I had little to do with it..haha!

This morning, during his quiet time, he shared with me a scripture that I just had to share with you all! It is awesome....

Submission in All of Life

1 Peter 3:11-12 (the Open Bible)

"And let him turn away from evil and do good; Let him seek PEACE and pursue it.

For the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and His ears attend to their prayers,

But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."

Amen.

Have a great weekend! Go GATORS...roll over some Rocky-Top!!

God is Love and Love is God,

Thankful Thursday-The One Flaw in Women

The One Flaw In Women

By the time the Lord made woman,He was into his sixth day of working overtime.

An angel appeared and said,'Why are you spending so much time on this one?'

And the Lord answered, 'Have you seen my spec sheet on her?

She has to be completely washable, but not plastic,have over 200 movable parts, all replaceable and able to run on diet coke and leftovers,have a lap that can hold four children at one time,have a kiss that can cure anything from a scraped knee to a broken heart-and she will do everything with only two hands.'

'The angel was astounded at the requirements.'Only two hands!?

No way! And that's just on the standard model?

That's too much work for one day.Wait until tomorrow to finish.

''But I won't, ' the Lord protested.'I am so close to finishing this creation that is so close to my own heart. She already heals herself when she is sick AND can work 18 hour days.

'The angel moved closer and touched the woman.

'But you have made her so soft, Lord.''She is soft,' the Lord agreed,

'but I have also made her tough. You have no idea what she can endure or accomplish.

''Will she be able to think?', asked the angel.The Lord replied,'Not only will she be able to think,she will be able to reason and negotiate.

'The angel then noticed something,and reaching out, touched the woman's cheek.

'Oops, it looks like you have a leak in this model. I told you that you were trying to put too much into this one.''That's not a leak,'the Lord corrected,'that's a tear!

''What's the tear for?' the angel asked.

The Lord said, 'The tear is her way of expressing her joy,her sorrow, her pain, her disappointment, her love,her loneliness, her grief and her pride.

'The angel was impressed.'You are a genius, Lord.You thought of everything!

Woman is truly amazing.'And she is! Women have strengths that amaze men.

They bear hardships and they carry burdens,but they hold happiness,love and joy.

They smile when they want to scream.They sing when they want to cry.

They cry when they are happy and laugh when they are nervous.They fight for what they believe in. They stand up to injustice.

They don't take 'no' for an answer when they believe there is a better solution.

They go without so their family can have.

They go to the doctor with a frightened friend. They love unconditionally.

They cry when their children excel and cheer when their friends get awards.

They are happy when they hear about a birth or a wedding.

Their hearts break when a friend dies.

They grieve at the loss of a family member, yet they are strong when they think there is no strength left ...

They know that a hug and a kiss can heal a broken heart.

Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you to show how much they care about you.

The heart of a woman is what makes the world keep turning.

They bring joy, hope and love.They have compassion and ideals.They give moral support to their family and friends.Women have vital things to say and everything to give.

HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE TINY FLAW IN WOMEN,

IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.

Today is Thankful Thursday and I am so thankful for all the beautiful, strong, women God has placed in my path!

Thank you Momma for sharing this with me......today I am most thankful for YOU!

God is Love.....Love is God,

Wordless Wednesday

Our Family

Gettin' ready to send 'em up to Lila Rae

Vera Kate using Daddy's glasses to watch her balloon

What joy for those whose strength comes from the LORD,

when they walk through the Valley of Weeping,
it will become a place of refreshing springs.

The autumn rains will clothe it with blessings,
they will continue to grow stronger!
Psalm 84:5 - 7

Another blogger who is an angel's Mommy posted this verse and I just had to share!
Thanks Katie!

God is Good.....ALL the time,

Sweetness in the Storm

As you know, Sunday was Lila Rae's birthday and well we have a few small traditions. Since I will never be able to give my baby girl a birthday party, buy her a prom dress, or shop with her for her wedding dress, I have my own little things that I like to give her. Every year Cory and I place a beautiful arrangement at the alter, of our church, in her memory. I always get wreaths to match but someone always beats me to the punch. One year my brothers gave them in her memory and this year our church was gracious enough to place them there in her memory. I thought they turned out beautifully! I wanted something that would be a good transitional arrangement....going from summer to fall. I LOVE these colors.

We have other Lila Rae traditions that I will share later this week. But what I wanted to show you this video of my precious little girls singing. I LOVE this song...you probably already know that! But Cora Jane and Vera Kate wanted to sing it in church on Sunday and so who am I to say no! I hope you enjoy it! I am a super proud Mommy. By the way, Whit was dancing away as the girls were singing...they are just the best!

Happy Birthday Sweet Angel....My Lila Rae

Can it be? Three whole years have come and gone since this beautiful baby girl first laid in my arms? I can remember that morning like it was yesterday. It was an easy labor and delivery...all of mine usually are. But I was so scared..not knowing what would happen. She was so peaceful...no screaming...that scared me too! But it was like God had sent this precious angel of peace...before the storm even started.

Lila Rae showed us all what it means to have patience. She fought so hard for her little heart.....having patience for God's ultimate timing.

Lila Rae taught me how to be radical for Jesus Christ. You see there were several instances that called for Cory and I to stand firm on our faith in the Lord. Doctors, nurses, even chaplins questioned our attitude towards the situation..claiming we weren't facing reality. The reality was and is that Lila Rae was already in God's hands. He had been with her throughout every surgery and every procedure. It was mine and Cory's job to show her Jesus through scripture, music, and actions. There wasn't a day that we weren't by her side comforting her, fighting for her, and carrying her to that ultimate place of healing. We didn't know that that is what we were doing. We were just being the best parents we could by showing her God's love. Ultimately, showing everyone around her God's love.

The Lord continues to amaze me with testimonies from Lila Rae's little life and struggles. After she died, there were so many who came to us sharing how Lila Rae's life had impacted their's in one way or another. Even years later there are still individuals who share with us how my baby girl changed them. My sister-in-law shared with me last week how Lila Rae had changed her faith...something I didn't know. You can read her story on how Lila Rae touched her life by clicking onto her blog Christy Tyre.

This has been difficult for me to write. This whole past week has been an emotional one. I am so thankful for God and the amazing LOVE that He has shown me and my family. He IS my rock and in HIM I will TRUST.

"Before I formed thee in the belly, I knew thee; before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations" Jeremiah 1:5

I hope you enjoy these few pictures of my baby girl and remember her on this day.

Lila Rae and her Daddy after she was born

Mommy, Daddy, and our new baby girl

Two weeks old and two open heart surgeries later

Before surgery. All she could eat was sugar water.

After her second surgery she was on ECMO. This was taken the following day...I wasn't expecting her to open her eyes...I was so excited!

What a beautiful gift she was and continues to be. I feel very honored knowing my baby girl is sitting in the right hand of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

"Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD." Job 1:21

Lila Rae was that beautiful gift He gave and the sorrow is what He taketh away.

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Photo Friday

Yesterday I had the joy of keeping my Vera Kate home for the day. "Mommy Days" are so special and I always try to do something fun and different.

Well yesterday was no exception. Vera Kate and I had our very own photo shoot in the front yard. Whitman was sleeping and it was perfect timing. I hope you enjoy these as much as I do. She is getting to big too fast! She had a great time "posing" for the pics. She is a natural.

Thankful Thursday

God's Word is amazing! Sometimes when I am reading my devotional or other books God always brings me back to His word. No matter the situation I face or obstacle that lies ahead I can always count on God's word to give me the direction or understanding that I need.

"Put on the armor of light," wrote Paul in his letter to the Romans, "...clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ." (Romans 13:12-14)

"And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints...." Ephesians 6:10-18

I am so thankful for Tim Tebow! God has called him to do wonderful and great things. He knows the talents and abilities that God has given him and he uses them to better His kingdom. Good luck to Tebow and the Fighting Gators!!

Hunting season is upon us! In fact, bow season starts this weekend. I'm not an avid bow hunter but my husband loves just about any kind of huntin' there is. I am so thankful that this season is here and he can do some relaxing and enjoy it. Big Red and his Daddy have been getting the food plots ready, the new stands built, and their camo unscented....they are ready! This time of year always bring back memories of my childhood and going to the huntin' camp with my family. I pray that one day we can have a place to take our family so that they too can have memories like mine.

Well you can tell that I love this time of year. SEC football, huntin' time, changing of the seasons. I thank God for the Fall season and all the fun times that it brings our family.

God is Good....ALL the time,

Whitman likes to Move It

My baby boy LOVES to dance! He is the cutest thing ever!

Momma and Daddy gave Cora Jane this card for her birthday and well Whit has claimed it his! He carries this card around the house opening and closing....dancing and stomping away!

Anyone who knows Cory and I know that we love to dance so Whit gets it honest.

But these are definitly his Daddy's moves! Ha!

Kids: they dance before they learn there is anything that isn't music. ~William Stafford

God is Good...ALL the time,




****note to self****edit video before uploading*********sorry*******

Unexpected Weekend

Labor Day Weekend at the Tyre household was not at all what I had planned! We were supposed to be in FL with my family celebrating my cousin's wedding! Well with three sick babies and a hay haulin' husband there was no way I was making that trip! So to the house the kids and me stayed.....well only for a few hours...thats about all I can take! Cory was off cuttin', balin', and haulin' hay somewhere, and we were off to find him.

The whole weekend was spent just enjoying what God had given us. Yes, we were all battling colds. But we were together and loving the beautiful weather that God had given us. Cora Jane and Vera Kate befriended the "a-stranged" kitty that has been lurking around Grandma's house...now they want to bring her home....yea for me, one more mouth to feed!! She is a sweet kitten.

Whitman conquered the slide all by himself!! He has been handling the rock-climbing pretty good, but goin' down the slide was something that Momma or one of his girls had to help with. Not this weekend....he has got the slide down pat!

Cory got LOTS of hay rockin' and rollin' this weekend...haha....rollin'...get it! OooooKkkkkk I know I'm not that funny but that was cute! right? Anyways, we are so blessed to have so much! And Cory is my hard workin' man.......he even labors on labor day!!!

I got to finish my book that I've been reading since July!!! Yea! Now I get to start my new one, Crazy Love. Anybody read that one? I am super excited to get reved up for JESUS! And I have heard really good things about this book.

Thanks for tagging along my crazy posts...I pray that the Lord touches your heart today in someway that you would know that it is HIM who is changing your world in unexpected places.

God is Good......ALL the time,

Gator Game

Go get 'em GATORS!!

Ok, so today marks the beginning of Gator football season 2009! I am a FL girl born and raised and I love me some Gators. Even though I live in Dawg country I bleed orange and blue!

My 'ol Almamater is playing Charleston Southern tonight and you can bet I will be glued to the TV.

Another love of mine is the SEC! Like alot of my fellow Gator fans I believe the best conference out there is the SEC! So best of luck to all you SEC teams!

Here comes the GATOR CHOMP!!!