"Whatsoever your hands find to do, do it with all your might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, where thou goest."
I have always loved hands. Even as a little girl I would notice hands. When I was little I longed for hands that were long and slender with fingernails that clicked. I used to watch cashiers punching numbers and think, "Wow. So fancy!" (I would put scotch tape around the tips of my fingernails and play store for hours.) However, there are some hands that mean more to me than being fancy or flashy. In fact, to other people they are average looking hands, but to me they will be hands that I never forget. My daddy's hands have always looked so strong. Mama's hand playing the piano always look graceful but powerful. One grandfather always wore a Masonic ring, and the other picks his fingernails with a pocket knife. There is my grandmother's "special little hand" and Leilei's hands teaching me to quilt, helping me pick fabrics. James Henry picking his fingernails and driving Sister insane. Sister's hands that have always looked soft to me, and everything my hands are not. Zachary Ryan's hands can look so rugged to me, like when he was coming home from a training after a week of being gone when he was in the Marine Corps. Those hands can also look skilled and almost tender when holding a stethoscope to listen to our babies breathe. Hands. I don't know why I like them, but they are always something that sticks out in my mind and memories.
The other day, I was being forced to take a nap with the little ones. I mean really really FORCED! While Wade was falling asleep that day, he reached up and grabbed my hand. (He loves to hold hands, and I will gladly hold those hands until he stops needing that from me.) He has the cutest little, short, chubby fingers. On this day, they were a little bit sticky and very hot. I was looking at those fingers holding on to mine, and I realized that these hands are changing. One day they will be a man's hands and will grow to be bigger than mine. One day they will drive a car, take a test, fill out applications, love a wife, and hold a sweet baby. In that moment, I was filled with prayer. I want to be the Mama that guides my children to be people that have a relationship with Christ, that grow up to have happy homes. People that have dreams and desires. As their mama, I want to lead them to be the people that they hope to be, and keep those sweet fingers from any harm. Those little fingers that I know I can't always shelter or keep from pain, because they have to experience hurt to grow up, but I hope my hands are always there to catch them before they fall too far.
There's another set of hands that I haven't been able to see yet, and these hands will mean the most to me. One day, when I'm done with this world and I'm facing the Savior of the universe, he will reach out his hand for me. It will be a hand with a scar in the middle. It will be a hand that has held me my whole life, but I will finally be able to see it with my eyes. Oh what a day that will be!
A week later, they were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." Then he said to Thomas,
"Put your fingers here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe." Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!" Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen, you believe. Blessed are those that believe but eyes have not yet seen."
John20:26-29
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Thursday, August 30, 2012
30th Birthday Blues
Well, the time has come to celebrate another birthday. This one isn't just any regular birthday either. It's the big 3-0. As my sister so kindly pointed out to me, I'm thirty years old with 3 kids and a lot of responsibility. Zach sang the Tim McGraw song, "My Next 30 Years," to me this morning. I would be lying if I said I'm not a little sad to leave my twenties behind. A lot of great things happened to me in my twenties. I graduated from Tech, married Coop, lived in North Carolina for awhile, became an aunt, lived in Monroe, became a teacher, became a mother, moved to Shreveport, became a stay-at-home mom, lost a grandparent. It was a big decade. So I've decided that on this day, this very special day, I'm going to look back and be thankful for what I've been through, and look forward and be excited about what is to come. Here is a list of my 30 thankful thoughts:
1. I'm thankful that I became a Christian when I was 7. I really don't remember a time that I didn't know my Lord. He has always been with me in my life, and will always be here for me. I remember when I decided to take the steps to fully devote myself to being a Christian, I felt such peace. I was only seven, so I couldn't have had that much weight on me, but I felt so much relief even at such a young age. Relief that comes from knowing that no matter what had happened in my life and what will happen in the future, God will always be with me. Still to this day, I have fears and worries. Sometimes I worry about all the ways that my life could turn upside down. Things that could damper my future plans or worse, change my plans forever. Those worries can consume me, but I have a peace that comes from knowing that no matter what ugly this world has in store for me, there is a Master that has my name on His lips that will be with me always. He knows the plans HE has for me, and in all that could happen in this world he will make it good because I am His.
2. I'm thankful for Zachary Ryan. True heroes don't ever admit that they are brave or anything special because they know people that gave more than they were asked to give. These thoughts can haunt them at times. However to me, a hero is someone that is simply willing to serve. Being willing to serve your country, your family, your community, people you don't know. That shows true courage. My Zach shys away from recognition of his service and doesn't like a lot of attention. He is always quick to talk about others that gave more than him or are still giving their time, but to me he is a hero. My hero, my compass, my comedian, my joy, my past, my future, and everything in between.
(I've got to speed this list up or Lee Cooper is going to turn blue in the face.)
3. I'm thankful for Lee Bradford, Lauren Kate, and Wade Harmon. I am thankful that God has given us such little blessings and look forward to the day that he adds to this family that Zach and I started. One day in my next 30 years I'll be rocking grandbabies and know that this has all been part of a plan.
4. I'm thankful for my little two bedroom house. The time we have spent in this house with one bathroom has been full of laughter and growth.
5. I will be even more thankful for the memory of my two bedroom house. "Moving on up....."
6. I'm thankful for my family history. I didn't know but one of my great-grandparents, but because of family stories, I know that they were people that worked hard, loved their kids, and established a great foundation for generations to come.
7. I'm thankful for my mini-van. I am. Can't help it.
8. Thankful for birthday text, messages, and phone calls.
9. Thankful for the health of my babies, husband, and loved ones. This should not be taken for granted. So much can happen to people in the blink of an eye.
10. I'm thankful for childhood memories. My parents and sister have always been with me, and I'm so happy that my special moments growing up always included them.
11. I'm thankful for my in-laws. From day one, they have accepted me into their family. Thanks guys.
12. I'm thankful for a husband that works so hard for his family.
13. I'm thankful that Jake is such a good dog.
14. I'm thankful for my Mama's new hip, and my daddy's happy feet.
16. I'm thankful for those friends that know when they look at my face or hear my voice that something is wrong. I'm thankful that I have a few close friends that I can call and no matter what mood they are in or I am in, we will join each other in the middle.
17. I'm thankful for Marley Elizabeth, Patterson Henry, and Ava Margaret. They have made being an aunt such a joy.
18. I'm thankful that nobody is really making me finish this list because the kids have gone insane. Apparently they didn't get the memo that it is MY birthday.......
Monday, July 16, 2012
A blog of randomness....
I'm not sure what is wrong with my mood lately, but I'm in a terrible, awful, no good, kinda mood. You know the kind where you just look at your husband, and he's got to be thinking, "uh. Yeah, I'll do that for you babe." I mean sure I could list you all the things that are getting on my nerves right now, like the house being sticky, the clothes piling up and piling up and piling up, the dog that is shedding, the kids that are poopy, the pantry that is empty, the van that is nasty, the yard that needs mowing, the fridge that needs cleaning. But, what would be the point in really talking about all that. I mean all of that is really just a little depressing. Instead of focusing on the things I should be doing, I am going to focus on the way all that stuff makes me feel. Here are a list of things that have been running through my mind. It's like a whole blog of Facebook status updates. Sounds fun and interesting right?
1. All of my friends with nice clean houses and laundry put up and wonderfully homemade supper cooked, you really make me internally ill.
2. Maybe I should get a job, and put these crazy people in day care.
3. I think I'll just take the kids to play in the sprinkler, and not worry about the house. I mean it will just be this way again tomorrow. (Kind of serious about just ditching these responsibilities and enjoying my babies.)
4. Ahahaha! *Evil laugh* My kids don't believe I'll do it. ahhahahahaa
5. Oh yes telemarketer, of course I have a few minutes to talk to you. Just what I wanted to do with my time.
6. Man, I love this toe nail polish. It looks so natural. (Happy thought of the day.)
7.Well, I hope you are enjoying that beach vacation.
8. You remember that time I got in that fight on Facebook about that with some woman I don't know. That was so stupid. (Just shaking my head.)
9. I'm really glad I got to see Kate give her big brother a kiss on the cheek. That is really what matters.
10. I think I'll just call my Mama and talk to her about how much I have to do.
Some of these are said with love, some with sarcasm, and some with down right envy. I'll let you be the judge.
I do have to say that on days like this, I am so thankful for a Savior that keeps me in his hands and gives me strength. His love never leaves me and never disappoints me.
1. All of my friends with nice clean houses and laundry put up and wonderfully homemade supper cooked, you really make me internally ill.
2. Maybe I should get a job, and put these crazy people in day care.
3. I think I'll just take the kids to play in the sprinkler, and not worry about the house. I mean it will just be this way again tomorrow. (Kind of serious about just ditching these responsibilities and enjoying my babies.)
4. Ahahaha! *Evil laugh* My kids don't believe I'll do it. ahhahahahaa
5. Oh yes telemarketer, of course I have a few minutes to talk to you. Just what I wanted to do with my time.
6. Man, I love this toe nail polish. It looks so natural. (Happy thought of the day.)
7.Well, I hope you are enjoying that beach vacation.
8. You remember that time I got in that fight on Facebook about that with some woman I don't know. That was so stupid. (Just shaking my head.)
9. I'm really glad I got to see Kate give her big brother a kiss on the cheek. That is really what matters.
10. I think I'll just call my Mama and talk to her about how much I have to do.
Some of these are said with love, some with sarcasm, and some with down right envy. I'll let you be the judge.
I do have to say that on days like this, I am so thankful for a Savior that keeps me in his hands and gives me strength. His love never leaves me and never disappoints me.
Isaiah 40:30-31
New International Version (NIV)
30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
If I am being honest.....
You know how you get those questions that the people asking don't really want an answer or that you don't really feel like answering truthfully. I get asked all the time, "How do you do it?" I always say something like well I love my life, so it is really more fun than anything else. (Which is a true statement. I do love my life, my babies, my husband, my responsibilities, my friends, and my family.) The part I don't really tell everybody is that on a daily basis something either has or is likely to go wrong. So here is my attempt to be completely honest with you.
If I am being honest I will tell you that I fight with my husband. I know you may be surprised at that given that I'm so sweet and charming, and he is so admirable and caring. HA! HA! Yes, it is very true. We can really let each other have it over some of the dumbest things. I have noticed that the longer we have been married we choose our arguments better, and they are fewer and farther between, but on occasion either one of us can very easily make the other one absolutely explode with frustration.
If I am being honest I will tell you that my kids are little lunatics. I mean verifiable crazy people. They do things like attack another person over a plastic piece of fruit. They flip the breaker for the airconditioner, so that their daddy has to study the mechanics of a lady's body while sweating like he has been running a marathon. They sit in the kitchen eating dog food. They watch their mama clean up a room full of toys only to empty every box in their bedroom five minutes later. (WHO DOES THAT??) They color with permanent marker on their grandmother's furniture and knock over her big tall grandfather clock that is a family heirloom. They are nuts and are taking me down with them.
If I am being honest I will tell you that nothing in this world will make me angrier than if someone compromises the stength of my little core family. I won't say much about this, but I will tell you that up until a few years ago, I was a very naive girl. I thought that if you were nice to people they will be nice to you. They will respect you. I know that sounds so juvenile, but I really believed that. I have recently discovered that if that still small quiet voice is telling you that someone is up to no good, or that someone has bad intentions for you. LISTEN! I was under the impression that I needed to be accepting of everyone no matter what moral system they followed. I have learned the hard way that some people just can't be trusted, and do not have your best interest at heart, and if I'm being honest, I have found a strength in me that I wasn't sure I had. I'm really happy about that.
Hope you guys have a great weekend and thank you for reading my blog. I love it when people tell me that they read something on my blog. I know how many people are reading it, but I don't know who, so it is nice to hear that some of you that I love are check it from time to time. Until next time!
If I am being honest I will tell you that I fight with my husband. I know you may be surprised at that given that I'm so sweet and charming, and he is so admirable and caring. HA! HA! Yes, it is very true. We can really let each other have it over some of the dumbest things. I have noticed that the longer we have been married we choose our arguments better, and they are fewer and farther between, but on occasion either one of us can very easily make the other one absolutely explode with frustration.
If I am being honest I will tell you that my kids are little lunatics. I mean verifiable crazy people. They do things like attack another person over a plastic piece of fruit. They flip the breaker for the airconditioner, so that their daddy has to study the mechanics of a lady's body while sweating like he has been running a marathon. They sit in the kitchen eating dog food. They watch their mama clean up a room full of toys only to empty every box in their bedroom five minutes later. (WHO DOES THAT??) They color with permanent marker on their grandmother's furniture and knock over her big tall grandfather clock that is a family heirloom. They are nuts and are taking me down with them.
If I am being honest I will tell you that nothing in this world will make me angrier than if someone compromises the stength of my little core family. I won't say much about this, but I will tell you that up until a few years ago, I was a very naive girl. I thought that if you were nice to people they will be nice to you. They will respect you. I know that sounds so juvenile, but I really believed that. I have recently discovered that if that still small quiet voice is telling you that someone is up to no good, or that someone has bad intentions for you. LISTEN! I was under the impression that I needed to be accepting of everyone no matter what moral system they followed. I have learned the hard way that some people just can't be trusted, and do not have your best interest at heart, and if I'm being honest, I have found a strength in me that I wasn't sure I had. I'm really happy about that.
Hope you guys have a great weekend and thank you for reading my blog. I love it when people tell me that they read something on my blog. I know how many people are reading it, but I don't know who, so it is nice to hear that some of you that I love are check it from time to time. Until next time!
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Zachary Ryan Turns 30....
Okay, so a certain set of triplets that I know are turning 30 in two days. Can you believe it? 30 years old. It seems like yesterday they were turning 18, and all headed in different directions of the world. Look at where time has taken us. I'm so blessed to be apart of their life. I was the first one that messed up their trio, then came Thiago, and now Ashley. I was going to take this chance to say very publicly how much I love each one of them in their own way.
Amber is such a wonderful mother and wife. Most importantly, she has grown into such a beautiful Christian woman. I admire her wisdom and commitment to our Lord. Of course, it is obvious how hard she has worked for her career, and how she still works hard to provide for her family. She and Thiago are creating such a happy home for Ava and any babies that are to come. Amber started off being a friend and now she is a sister, and I wouldn't want anybody else to be an aunt to my babies.
Now, Zebulon. Zeb is probably one of the most tender hearted people I know. He has a way of feeling compassion toward people that is humbling. Zeb has overcome so many trials and tribulations to be the hard working man that he is now. He is creating a home with Ashley, and I want nothing but the best for the two of them. Zeb started off being a prom date (That's right people. I went to prom with him our junior year and then I snagged Zach our senior year. I was such a lucky girl to go to prom with both the Cooper boys!) and now he is a brother.
And then there is my Zach. I don't really want to turn this into a mush fest, so I'll just say that I could not have asked for a better person to spend my life with. It is absolutely true that God knew what I needed and gave it to me. I think that as more and more time goes by I see why God put us in each other's lives. If I'm being honest, I didn't even completely understand the diamond I was getting when I married Zach. He went from being just someone to play Phase 10 with to a husband, a baby daddy, and the best companion in the world.
Amber is such a wonderful mother and wife. Most importantly, she has grown into such a beautiful Christian woman. I admire her wisdom and commitment to our Lord. Of course, it is obvious how hard she has worked for her career, and how she still works hard to provide for her family. She and Thiago are creating such a happy home for Ava and any babies that are to come. Amber started off being a friend and now she is a sister, and I wouldn't want anybody else to be an aunt to my babies.
Now, Zebulon. Zeb is probably one of the most tender hearted people I know. He has a way of feeling compassion toward people that is humbling. Zeb has overcome so many trials and tribulations to be the hard working man that he is now. He is creating a home with Ashley, and I want nothing but the best for the two of them. Zeb started off being a prom date (That's right people. I went to prom with him our junior year and then I snagged Zach our senior year. I was such a lucky girl to go to prom with both the Cooper boys!) and now he is a brother.
And then there is my Zach. I don't really want to turn this into a mush fest, so I'll just say that I could not have asked for a better person to spend my life with. It is absolutely true that God knew what I needed and gave it to me. I think that as more and more time goes by I see why God put us in each other's lives. If I'm being honest, I didn't even completely understand the diamond I was getting when I married Zach. He went from being just someone to play Phase 10 with to a husband, a baby daddy, and the best companion in the world.
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