William: The Dunk

Thursday Thoughts

Good morning! Happy Thursday to all! The sun is shining today and that is a nice change. The ice has nearly all melted except in the shadows. Unfortunately right in front of the front door is a big shadow. ouch. Will had a ball game last night (Wed. night...I know) postponed from Tue. when the ice was so bad. They did great and have won all of their district games so far.

I wanted to show you some pictures of my favorite Christmas gift. Yes, it is a bit indulgent and more expensive than a regular coffee maker, but...I LOVE IT! The Keurig coffee maker. Becky has one and we loved using it at their house. Makes perfect one cup mugs of coffee, hot chocolate or tea. The best Christmas present in a long time. Thanks guys!

This was two days ago when we were getting pelted by ice. This tree is in our back yard.

What a gorgeous sight.

We are excited about the weekend. Michael, Jan and family are coming for a visit. They are going to be in town for the Blue Haven Board Meeting. It is always fun to have them here. I am heading to the grocery store today to pick up some yummy food ingredients for the weekend. Pumpkin cake, breakfast casserole, chicken asparagus soup, sloppy joes, homemade rolls (if I get them done!) etc. Fun times.

On a sad note, my friend Mitzi passed away last week. Her funeral is tonight. She was only 49 years old. She loved the Lord and loved people. She would do anything for you. Wes often went with her and her son Taylor for lunch when he was in school with Taylor. He loved her too. Please pray for her family. I know that they are wondering if they can make it without her. I am so thankful that God's children will see each other again some day. What a joyful reunion that will be.

Trust in Him at all times, O People.

Pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our Refuge.

Ps. 62:8

Have a blessed day. Let's all look for people to lovingly serve. Amy

Great To Do List!!

'Never borrow from the future.

If you worry about what may happen tomorrow and it
doesn't happen, you have worried in vain.

Even if it does happen, you have to worry twice.'

1. Pray

2. Go to bed on time.

3. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.

4. Say 'No' to projects that won't fit into your time schedule, or that will compromise your mental health

5. Delegate tasks to capable others.

6. Simplify and unclutter your life.

7. Less is more. (Although one is often not enough, two are often too many.)

8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.

9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don't lump the hard things all together.

10. Take one day at a time.

11. Separate worries from concerns. If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you do and let go of the anxiety. If you can't do anything about a situation, forget it.

12. Live within your budget; don't use credit cards for ordinary purchases.

13. Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc.

14. K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble.

15. Do something for the kid in You everyday.

16. Carry a Bible with you to read while waiting in line.

17. Get enough rest.

18. Eat right.

19 Get organized so everything has its place.

20. Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve your quality of life.

21. Write down thoughts and inspirations.

22. Every day, find time to be alone.

23. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don't wait until it's time to go to bed to try and pray.

24. Make friends with Godly people.

25. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand.

26. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good 'Thank you to God.'

27. Laugh.

28. Laugh some more!

29. Take your work seriously, but not yourself at all.

30. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can).

31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).

32. Sit on your ego.

33. Talk less; listen more.

34. Slow down.

35. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.

36. Every night before bed, think of one thing you're grateful for that you've never been grateful for before. GOD HAS A WAY OF TURNING THINGS AROUND FOR YOU.

Will is going to Harding!

In the Green's kitchen. Sorry this is a little blurry!

You might need to turn the blog music down to hear this video. Just push the pause button on the playlist. Thanks!

Will has decided to go to Harding for college and to play football. They have offered him a partial scholarship. He is thrilled and so are we. Here is a video clip of a Harding basketball game like the one we went to on Saturday night. They sing the Star Spangled Banner acappella. It was so cool. You just don't hear it sung this way very often.. if ever. It was great.

Thanks so much Nathan and Mackenzie for letting us stay with you! Your home is sweet and we loved being there with you. Thanks for putting up with us! Jay, or J. or Jividen... thanks for keeping Will and showing him a good time! You guys are the best!

Will is going to be 11 hours away from home and his loved ones and that will be hard but we are thankful for these wonderful coaches and family that he will be with and that will further mold him into the godly man he is becoming.

The Dunk!

Good morning! Fun basketball game last night. Will has put 10 points on the board the last three games. He is playing really great. Last night in the fourth quarter he stole a ball (can you believe?) and slam dunked it. The crowd went wild! woo hoo!! It was so fun and he had this cute little grin on his face. We are so thankful that he is enjoying basketball more this year than last. He loves football so much and feels like basketball is just to pass the time.

Speaking of football, we are heading to Searcy tomorrow to talk to the coaches about him playing next year. They have said that he will get a little scholarship money that could increase every year. So, off to Arkansas we go!

I pray that your day is a blessed one!

O God, You are my God,

earnestly I seek You;

my soul thirsts for You,

my body longs for You,

in a dry and weary land

where there is no water.

Psalm 63: 1

A Little Miffed

Did you catch that? Did I hear right?
The Reverend Joseph E. Lowery just delivered the benediction following President Obama’s speech, and finished with a slap in the face to white folk with his plea that “white will embrace what is right.”


Wow, that’s the way to bring about the racial healing that the civil rights leaders keep lecturing us about, to speak nobly of people of each race as Reverend Lowery did, then finish with the snickering “white will learn what is right.”

Where has it been established that in 2009 we Caucasians haven’t learned what is right? What if a white pastor finished off a prayer with the plea that “black will learn what is right?”

The actual quote was “We ask you to help us work for that day when black will not be asked to give back, when brown can stick around, when yellow will be mellow, when the red man can get ahead, man, and when white will embrace what is right.”


His plea for the white people of America to “embrace what is right” really stole the show. And I thought Barack Obama was the post-racial candidate. The Reverend Lowery obviously does not see it that way.

Yep, that was a bit tough to swallow. Disappointed? Yes.
Offended? I have to say yes.
Sad? Very.
My prayer is still that God will guide President Obama. I also pray that Obama is not listening to Rev. Lowery.

The Floor

We have been putting off finishing a small remodeling project now for about 4 months. We bought laminate at a very good discount price but have not had the time or really the energy to do the job. I was feeling so lazy that I got a quote for someone else to do it. Only $1,000 dollars for the labor. Well...we jumped on the project ourselves. Below are the pictures to prove it. It is not a perfect floor, but it will do nicely. Of course, neither one of us can hardly move this morning! ha. We must get into better shape!!
We are toying with the idea of trying to downsize houses a bit. With the cost of college for Will and several others factors, it is sounding like a good idea. It is not the best time to try and sell a house, but we will see how it goes. Below are some pictures. Sorry, I was half asleep this morning and put the order in backwards. oops. Have a blessed day!

Prayerful Day

Ps. 59:16 & 17

But I will sing of Your strength,
in the morning I will sing of Your love
for You are my fortress,
my refuge in times of trouble.

O my Strength. I sing praise to You;
You, O God, are my fortress, my loving God.

Father, I pray that all of the proceedings of the day that surround the Presidential Inauguration will be blessed by You. I pray that our nation will remember that this country was founded on Your word and the foundation of Your salvation. Please guide our next President to walk in the way You would have him to walk. Please place people in his life that will point him toward You, and renew in Your children a fire to spread the good news of Jesus Christ.
In Jesus name amen.

Basketball...Fun

Howdy! The song playing is the greatest basketball song ever! ha. Wes would say it is a throwback song, and it is. I remember sitting in my high school gym as a senior and us all stomping our feet to "We are the Champions" during our basketball games. It is still in my opinion the best basketball song out there. Showing my age I know. Anyway, this song is dedicated to a fine week of basketball. Wes played great last night and is improving all of the time. He is having to come back and get in shape after a knee injury in football, but is doing good. Will had the Superman game of his life last night. The best I have ever seen him play. It was great fun. We beat the team that always beats us in football, so it was sweet. Will had 10 points and oodles of rebounds and a couple of stuffs. It is fun to watch. Here are a few pictures. The first one is taken of Sid's side of the family when they came to watch Will play at the Whataburger Tournament. What sweet family.

William going for a ball

Wes... his arms are getting so long. He is going to be scary good some day soon.

Wes is the comic relief on the bench. He has a great sense of humor.

Well, blessings on your Saturday. I pray that our Sunday tomorrow will be filled with joy in being able to meet together and worship our Lord. Let's make it a good one. Love, Amy

Camp Blue Haven Registration Time!

This Thurs. (tomorrow!) is the day to register new campers for Camp Blue Haven summer camp! Get on and register! Don't miss the summer fun and spiritual renewal. Register Thurs. Jan 15th at 8:00pm sharp!!
Go to:
www.campbluehaven.com


Registration Information
CBH will provide only ON-LINE Registrations. CBH will not accept any postal registrations. Registration opens at 8:00 P.M US Central Time. on January 15th, 2009!New campers should stay up and register immediately as it opens. Last years' campers have from January 15th until February 15th to register, claiming their spot held for them from the previous year. If last years' campers do not register by February 15th they could lose their spot at camp.

If you have registration questions or concerns please contact:
Jan McCoy using the contact information location at :
www.campbluehaven.com

IF YOU DID NOT ATTEND CAMP IN 2008
It is vital that you register immediately when registration opens on January 15th, 2009.
Returning campers will be placed first.
Open spots are granted on a first-come-first-serve basis.
The earlier you register, the higher your name will be on the wait list.
"New" campers (anyone who did not attend the previous summer) will not pay until they have been confirmed as a camper. This will not occur until mid to late February. If you have not heard from Camp Blue Haven by late February either by email or a packet in the U.S. mail, please feel free to contact us.

IF YOU ATTENDED CAMP IN 2008
Your spot for 2009 is guaranteed. However, you must complete registration by February 15, 2009.
If you do not register by February 15, your spot will be considered open, and new campers will be placed in it.

We look forward to our time with you this summer!

All sessions are open to all age groups from 5th through high school.
What is the cost? One-week sessions: $180 Two-week sessions: $330
This cost includes room and board, curriculum, and activity costs: everything that campers do at camp EXCEPT for purchases made at our Trading Post, a camp fishing license, and certain projects they may elect to purchase in crafts.

Sessions:

1st- June 7-12

2nd- June 14-26

3rd- June 28-July 4

4th- July 5-17

5th- July 19-25

6th- July 26-Aug. 7

CHECK OUT THE CAMP BLUE HAVEN VIDEO AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS BLOG!

Random Thoughts...

Good morning. Things have quieted down a little since Christmas and the Arizona trip. What a great break we had. Fun times ,but getting back into the routine is nice too.
.
Random thought number one:
As I looked around and listened to everything at the Fiesta Bowl a week or so ago, I had the thought , I wonder why we can get so worked up and excited about a ballgame and why we are not allowed to or not motivated enough to get just that excited about the Good News and about telling people about Jesus? Any thoughts? Let me know. I have plenty of opinions on the subject but would love to know yours.

Random thought number two:
As you can see if you are reading this blog, a lot of my entries are about Will getting ready to leave for college and his last year here at home. Well, I have to say that trend will probably continue for a while. ha. We are now thinking about taking senior pictures, debit cards, FAFSA applications, football scholarship money, registering for the draft, and a million other things to do before he drives off from here. We are heading to Harding in a few weeks for his official football recruiting visit. The boy is so excited that he cannot see straight. I am happy for him. Life is moving on.

Random thought number three:
How do you waste your time? I am sorry to say that I am a grand waster of time. It is one of my biggest problems. I usually start out with great intentions. List of to do things, etc. I have found though that if I do not get the big and important things done first that I am not disciplined enough to get them done later in the day. I have a HUGE struggle with staying off the computer. It is an eater of my time and I get lost in it. Here is what I am focusing on in order.

Get up...Bible study, make breakfast, 5 min. devo. with boys, WALK- I feel so much better when I do this one, laundry, THEN computer time and everything else on the list. I have to start with the Bible study first or I just don't get it done. And what a blessing it is to start the day with God. My days just don't go good when I don't listen to Him and talk to Him first. I then have something of worth to say to my children. (Now, the days I have to go to work are are a REAL challenge. My hat is off to you wonderful women that have to work everyday and still get it all done!) Blessings on you!!


Psalm 5:3 In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.

I love this scripture. He is telling me that HE hears my voice. Awesome.

I had a conversation this morning with Will about the difference in serving God because you just want to so you won't get in trouble and just trying to follow the rules or... serving God because you want to glorify and please him as King David did. Being in love with God and knowing Him versus just trying to do what your parents tell you to do spiritually but not knowing Him.
One works and the other does not. Our biggest challenge as Christan parents is to teach them to have their own faith in God and not to just know Him through us. I pray that we can all be led by God to instill in them that longing to be after His heart and to know Him intimately. Thoughts anyone?

Random thought number four:
How to help two very different and in some ways alike, wonderful young men see their gifts. Wes compares himself to Will all of the time and it is a struggle for this Mamma. For now we are just letting them fight it all out. (Need to fix that broken molding on the door coming into the kitchen that Will busted running from Wes. Also...thanks Uncle Bill for fixing Will's bed that broke when Wes form tackled him on top of it a few months ago.) On going challenge... not to scream at them all of the time. Oh well.

Now...just some random pictures to go along with the random thoughts. I love you guys.

Will last year before the Junior Senior banquet.
The grandkids last July in the Bahamas for GrandJan and Daddyburl's 50th Anniversary. We were full of getting ready plans this time last year for that trip. What fun we had.

Will helping to teach class in Zambia on the medical mission trip three years ago. My how time has flown. That trip changed Will's life. His desire since then has been to be a vocational missionary. Larry Henderson has also had a huge empact on Will's life. Being a missionary like Larry and his example of living has also inspired Will.

New Orleans stop on the way to cruise last summer. The mighty Mississippi.

St. Martin bliss.

LTC last year. This year we have 42 people going to Dallas for LTC. Should be a grand time!

I guess that is enough random thoughts for today. Have to get off of here and GET BUSY!

Blessings on your day. Love, Amy

Mitsy

Please pray for some friends of ours that live in Lubbock. Mitsy Brown is in the hospital and it is not looking very good for her right now. They think that she has cancer all over and she is bleeding internally. She has now been put on a respirator. This has all happened very quickly and the family is in a great deal of shock and dismay. Please pray for peace for her and comfort for her husband Bob and two children. Mitsy is about 47 years old. Too young to be leaving this world. "Father God please give them comfort and hold them tight."

Great Year Colt! Fiesta Bowl.

Wow. What a whirlwind trip. We left on Sunday morning and arrived in Scottsdale around noon on Monday. We slept about 6 hours in Wilcox, Arizona on Sunday night. We had a wonderful time seeing beautiful Arizona. The palm trees and flowers and sunsets were lovely. We stayed in an old mission style resort and it was gorgeous. I guess because of the slow economy the rates were very reasonable. When we drove in to check in we thought that we just must have reserved the wrong hotel. It was absolutely beautiful. What a treat.

The game was a blast. A college football game at that level is just an unbelievable experience. In the first three quarters I thought I was going to have to find some blood pressure medication or someone might have to re-start my heart due to it beating out of my chest. Whew. We had two Ohio State guys behind us. They were loud and were having fun. At one point they started saying some things about Colt. I turned around to let them know that Colt's grandmother was sitting right in front of them and that they better only have nice things to say. (With the high stress level we were all feeling I was afraid I might have to punch one of them out if they said something mean.) ha. But, they were great sports and a lot of fun.

So thankful Texas came through in the end. Seeing that last series that Colt marched them down the field and scored in under two minutes was worth the stomach ache from the countless cups of coffee that made it possible to drive the many hours getting there.

Watching the Longhorns and Colt has made me a college football fan for life I am afraid. It is just so much fun. When they scored that last touchdown I was getting bear hugs from people I did not even know. Everyone was so excited and went wild. We are so thankful that Colt got through this game without getting hurt bad. He said that this was the toughest defense that they played this year.

I am so proud of his comments at the end in the trophy ceremony. Our prayer for him for the last three years has been that God would bless him so that Colt could glorify God. Thank you Father for blessing him on Monday night. How incredible to hear his praise for Jesus and to hear him give You the glory.

Well... I'm glad that it is over for this year. I think we all need a breather. So...so long football for another year. Well, that is after we watch that silly Thurs. night game.

Blessings. Amy

The Grands

Some of the crew before the game.

Brad's and the teams hotel.

The Scottsdale resort, where we stayed

Lovely

This is winter time? Gotta be kidding me.

The mess..Wes

Before the game.

Inside of our hotel