Megan Moments: Mainly Cheer Moments

Reflecting on moments with my Senior Megan as we get closer to her graduation. Over the last few weeks her dad and I have been preparing for her grad party. One of the hardest moments is choosing photos for her slide show. WOW! Talk about tears. My moments with her are special to me and through the teen years, they were sometimes brief moments as she was a busy bee!! Many moments were spent at cheer competitions....that is why she was a busy bee!

As a competitive cheerleader since her 5th grade year...this is her 8th and final year. Can we talk about many moments with Megan during these years! Cheer has taken up a lot of our time....nights at the gym watching her practice, driving to and from the gym several times a week, cheer compeitions for the entire weekend and fun memories with the out of town competitions.

Megan didn't always walk away with the #1 placement and trophy--but her character and attitude for this sport as always remained the same. Her love for her teammates and coaches is evident in how she displays herself as a person and I am so proud to call her my daughter.

God trusted me with her on this earth and I thank Him daily for the gift of Megan and our moments!
Our biggest cheer moment by far is this: as the only Senior on her BCE cheer team this year, she has had a wonderful year with her teammates and friends. They set a goal this year to qualify for a Worlds Bid (for those not in the cheer world....this is the highest competition you can get to...it is the top level of competitive cheerleading). I am proud to say that this past weekend at UCA Nationals in Orlando....Megan and her team accomplished their goal! Overcoming injuries, hard upsets and a little bit of drama (what's cheer without drama ;). The BCE Pride is going to Worlds 2012 in April!!

Many moments have taken place in cheer before achieving this goal. When we first started cheering...we had NO IDEA what we were getting into...but Megan found her gift! That was all that mattered. Her gift has brought her to this place and she has been blessed with heading to Worlds with some of the best girls and coaches in Columbus! Completing her Senior year as competitive cheerleader on the Worlds 2012 stage. Amazing!

We give all glory to God for these moments. In a sport that is very competitive and can have its share of drama and negatitivity...we are ones to say that there is GOOD in all things! One of my favorite sayings is "Don't let anyone every dull your sparkle!" Keep shining in the dark--for the light far outshines the dark!

Our cheer verse this season has been:

"Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth."
1 John 3:18

Thank you friends for reading my blog! Many blessings to you!

Christmas Season

Another year has gone by..and it has gone so quickly. This school year is especially going by too fast! With my oldest, Megan, being a Senior...I want time to stand still. The process of applying to colleges is well underway and now we wait for acceptances and begin the process of selecting the best fit for her. The moments spent together are precious and I cherish them all.

With the Christmas season here, I ponder on what Mary was thinking as she held the babe in her arms. Knowing that His mission was going to take him away from her. How close she held him as her tears spilled upon his face. Knowing one day he would not need her to care for him, but that He would care for her as her Savior...He would carry her sorrows, hear her prayers and heal her heart.

I know that Megan is going to college and will be venturing into her future. My excitement for her is overwhelming, but also the thought of letting her go is overwhelming. Let go and let God is what I keep hearing deep in my soul. His plan for her is greater than what I could even imagine for her.

Mary held the babe in her arms for a just a little while before she let him go. All along Jesus belonged to God and knew his destiny. Megan is God's child--His destiny for her is yet to be seen in this earthly world, but I trust in Him that letting go of my child is the best thing for her.

My mom and dad say..."don't worry, she'll be home. And home again and home again!" Parenting never ends it just changes. I am ready for this new change and preparing my daughter for her future....guiding her through young adulthood. I am so proud of her and for the young lady she has and continues to become. A woman of character.

Many blessings and Merry Christmas!

Summer Sounds

Summer sounds--birds chirping, wind blowing, dogs barking, children playing, splashing water, dad at the grill, and cheers! Yes, I said cheers! No break from competitive cheer for the summer--new teams, new season and a new attitude! Both girls are enjoying their new teams and having fun going to practice still. McKensie made 7th grade football cheer for her new middle school--that is very exciting. Can't believe my baby girl will be in 7th grade! Megan becoming a Senior (yikes!). Too much to handle sometimes. Just have to remember to be still and know God has it all under control.

Life is good right now--I love summer and being able to travel to visit my family in Tennessee. This is a highlight of summer for us. Swimming, boating and enjoying the best July 4th party at my Mom and Dad's house. This is our last summer with Megan being a high school student. Pondering and treasuring these moments before college years begin. This school year will be filled with fun, studying hard and final college commitment! Am I ready? Not sure--but, I do know that the Lord ALWAYS prepares my heart for the next phase of motherhood. So, no matter what I do--it will happen. Embracing this life of being a cheer mom to a Senior and 7th grader! For I know it will go by way to fast!

Be Still and know that I am God! Believing and trusting the One who sustains me in this life!

Blessings!

Royal Wedding--Jesus Style

In just 7 days the wedding of the season will take place. No I did not get invited to the Royal Wedding--which is fine by me. I would much rather DVR it and watch at my own leisure in my PJ's while having my coffee (I prefer coffee over tea anyway). I am not sure why I want to watch the wedding--I guess that I am just a sucker for a great love story! Aren't you?

There is one grand Wedding that will take place that I am invited to...the Wedding of Christ and His Bride. Talk about a Royal Wedding!! What a day that will be. Do you think the media is anticipating that day? Having a countdown? No...we don't see that on every channel or we don't have an App for that event! But, for those who follow Christ are anticipating that day--and preparing themselves for such a day. A Royal Wedding Indeed!

Preparing ourselves for Him--As a Bride prepares herself for her future husband. For me, I do anticipate that day. Am I nervous--yes! Am I worthy--no! Why would He make me a part of His royal family? Why would He choose me? Because He loves me! It is the greatest love story of them all!

On the night of Good Friday--I am in awe of God's love. Jesus paid the price for me. Arms stretched wide on the cross for me. How can I not even take the time to prepare myself for Him? Am I ready for this marriage--have I done what He has called me to do? He has called me to LOVE. Love even those who are hard to love--that is true love! This Easter--I choose to LOVE more...give more...pray more....and prepare myself for THE Royal Wedding! Will you join me---for He died for you too--you have an invitation to the Royal Wedding---I hope to see you there!

Thank You Lord Jesus! Amen.

"Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready." And it was given to her to clothe herself in fine linen, bright and clean; for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.

And he said to me, "Write Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he said to me, "These are true words of God."

Revelation 19:7-9 (Angel speaking to John)

Sisterly Love

Psalm 94:17-19

"Unless the Lord had helped me, I would have soon died. I cried out, 'I'm slipping!' and your unfailing love,

O Lord, supported me. When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer."

Lately I have been frustrated with my girls and their actions and attitudes towards one another. Being 17 and 12 I know that they will have their conflicts--as all of us with sisters had when we were growing up. But, I know the bond that forms between us sisters that can never be broken. I remind the girls all the time--"You are sisters for life! You will always have each other--so LOVE each other with your actions and attitudes towards each other!" I do glimpses of that love from time to time--when I see them giggling together over something or playing with our dog and truly enjoying each others company. I love those moments--it helps me to see that in the future--no matter where life takes them--they will have each other. My mother said the same to be this past fall when we us girls were all on a cruise together...she loved seeing us 3 girls enjoying each other and having a great time together. I think I am beginning to understand what she means...that when I have gone home to Jesus--my girls will be there for each other--always and forever!

I love my two sisters from the bottom of my heart! And when one of them is struggling with something--it hurts me so deeply--as if I am the one who is going through the trial. We may not always see each other often--but our love bonds us together. As the saying goes "sisters by birth...friends by choice".

Hug your sisters close! Tell them how much you love them and what they mean to you.

Sisters are life-long friends that love you no matter what!

Thank you Lord for the gift of sisterly love!

Aching Hearts Rejoice!

As we approach Valentine's Day and all it's meaning--NOT the commercialized meaning but the "heart" of the matter, I am saddened by the past year of losses here on earth. Still missing Todd's mom and have moments of utter despair! My mind starts thinking of all she is missing with our girls now and what she will miss in the future--high school graduations, college graduations, weddings, babies--all of lives experiences that God has planned for our girls. If I dwell here too long--My heart can become bitter and hardened--questioning God. It is OK to be saddened by our loss--but God does not want me to go down that road of despair. His words remind me of what I need to do everyday--

"Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18.

Rejoicing and thanking my Lord for Pat and for all the wonderful memories she gave my girls while she was on this earth is my focus. For I know she is rejoicing with Jesus now and that my girls' future are with Him. Earthly accomplishments are terrific..but heavenly crowns await us all after our journey here is done.

I Rejoice...Rejoice...Rejoice with my aching heart that only JESUS can make whole!

Cheer News

After a bitter cold weekend in Indy last month (Megan and McKensie's teams did awesome!). We now head to Atlanta for hopefully warmer weather. This is Nationals! Cheerleaders, parents and coaches love heading south for this competition. Not only is it a great competition with terrific cheer teams--the excitement is contagious! The memories that we are making together will be treasured for a lifetime!

The sport of Cheerleading has meant so much to our family. Yes it's a sport! But, our journey in this sport has brought us dear friends, laughter and just plain joy in seeing our girls' accomplish such terrific skills! Not just physical skills--although their tumbling skills amaze me!! But life skills--taking what they have learned in this environment and carrying it over to studies, friendships and family life.

God has used this sport (and continues to do so) to teach us what it means to truly show our Godly character, patience and love for others. How to persevere in overcoming fears and obstacles and how to be a true friend!

As a family--we hope and pray that we are showing the love and heart of Jesus daily--no matter where we are!

On the cheer mat, at a competition, at school or work--going about our life's journey. I know that I miss the mark sometimes--but I get up and move forward in this area and pray for Jesus to go before me--for surely I will mess up again! Life bring us to our knees--which is where we want to be if we truly want to show the heart of Jesus to others. You never know in your encounters who has an aching heart that needs to be filled with Jesus so that they too can Rejoice in Him.

I Rejoice...Rejoice...Rejoice with my aching heart that only JESUS can make whole!

Blessings & Cheers!

Romans 12:2

"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable perfect will of God."

Happy 2011

A new year has begun and I am excited for what it will bring. This past year was hard with the passing of Todd's mom. We miss her terribly here on Earth, but know she is at peace with our Lord Jesus. Thank you Lord for the time we had her with us--we look forward to reuniting with her in Heaven.

I am going to try and do my blog weekly--I have not been very good at journaling my thoughts on here. I journal everyday in my own personal book--but getting on here has been a struggle. As I mentioned before this is just for my thoughts--and if anyone out there relates and can laugh, cry or just enjoy my thoughts--that is good!

Christmas was wonderful being at my parents' house with my sisters and their families. A lot of family time and several parties of extended family. I love the history of my parents' families. So much heritage between both sides. Our legacy is a huge part of our lives--more than we may know or want to admit. Either we get great genes or bad genes--but they are our genes passed down from generation to generation. As I spoke with great aunts and uncles, cousins, etc. The memories of my childhood came flooding back to me. Especially as I sat with my Aunt Janice--she has been going through many health issues this year and I had not seen her in quite a while. The moments with her were very special to me and I pray that her health increases this year and that the Lord will grant her more moments with her husband, children and grandchildren.

The legacy we choose to pass on to our children lies within us as parents. Scary thought! Integrity, character and a love for the Lord is what we strive for. With the help of our God, our children will hopefully make good choices in their lives. When I say the word hopefully--I mean it! My parent's taught me wonderful values growing up--I stepped away for awhile and made poor decisions. Of course as a parent, I do not want my children to make poor choices-but in reality--at some point they probably will. As it says in Proverbs 22:6 "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." I take this verse to heart and pray it over my children. This is what my Dad did--he always prayed for my spiritual growth. That is the best thing a parent can do! This is the legacy passed on to me by my father and I so I choose to pass it on to them, and so forth!

I have so many photos I want to post from my holiday parties--but right now my computer is not allowing me to do so. Stay tuned to my facebook page for the photos!

Cheer News: We have a big cheer competition coming up in 2 weeks! Jamfest Nationals in Indy. This is a really fun competition for the girls and I must say the parents enjoy themselves too--with all the shopping, eating and social fun we have. My girls are excited and since the holidays are over--the coaches are in full swing of getting them back to practice! This week is regular practice and then next weekend they will be in the gym both Saturday and Sunday. Busy times! Plus school getting back into session. I am tired just typing this and I am not the one doing all the work and effort at practice.

I hope to blog soon! My next blog may be about my snoring husband! Lately, he has kept me up a lot!! I also feel as though my 44ish hormones are kicking in!! This statement makes me sound like my mother years ago!!

Love & Hugs!