We are truly meant for the valley. My family just spent our Spring Break in the most beautiful, quiet mountain retreat; Leatherwood Mountains. These mountains are formed between a long and beautiful meadow; where streams run and deer graze. It is quite a special place!
The valley here, is quite beautiful, enjoyable and peaceful. It is where my kids play football, jump in the streams, catch minnows and crayfish together. Kenny and I ride our horses here, picnic and sit together soaking up the sun....I love the valley! I love being quiet and reflective, it is a side of me, my family and I rarely get to experience. I love watching and listening to the sounds of God's symphony around me while in the valley. Yup, I love the valley and I was meant for it.
But, there is nothing like the mountain top experience. Our house sits at the top of the mountain and it has quite the views. As the wind whips through the trees and the hawks fly we can hear new sounds, see new sights and experience new emotions. I tell you this, I was meant for the mountain top!
Isn't this life, we move from mountain tops to valley experiences. The valley offers experiences that the mountain top cannot. We travel through the valley and get to see and feel things that the peaks cannot offer us. We can run in the valley yet while at the top we actually have to hike a bit more cautiously, as the fall could be fatal.(Pride before the fall) This is a new perspective I am sure but it holds a bit of truth when compared to our lives. While in the valleys of life, know this, we call on God with a deeper more heart felt need and respect. We listen more, yet are relational. We can be very still yet we keep moving. We actually spend a lot of time there, and it becomes familiar yet remains mysterious. We can sit and listen, often humbled and learn while traveling in the meadow. The good news is, we travel, we move, we learn while we are there.
When at the top, we usually experience great emotional highs that often exempt God or at the very least, just invite Him to join us in our elation and new experience. Don't get me wrong, I love the top of the mountain. I love what it brings my soul. I actually find myself brought to tears at it's beauty and power. We have to keep perspective however when we are at the top... egos in check and pride aside! God is quite amazing, as He designed it all and dwells in it all, we just have to be reminded more when we are at the top!
God's word reminds us, He will never leave us or forsake us, for He is with us wherever we go. I think He'd want me to remind you of that truth... I know He reminds me of it quite often. So, whether you are traveling in the meadows of life or standing at the top of a mountain, know this, He is there and remains very close!
As I write this, I ask you to pray for those in the meadows of life. I specifically ask for you to pray for Melissa Taylor and her family. Becky Nunn, her mother, and dear friend of mine, has stage 4 cancer and new cancer growths elsewhere. She is in the valley and experiencing new sights and sounds; new emotions and fears and is traveling through it very slowly and painfully. This story is one of many I know life will offer us, but one we will all grow from and learn to trust more, because of. God's plan is beyond what we can see or hear or understand but truth remains and is never far away. Jesus said, I am the way, the truth and the life. Truth has a name that we can all call on while we travel this life of mountains and valleys.
Blessings to you all ... soar, walk, run, listen, remain aware and draw near to God.
Denise

Off and Running

If you are new to my blog, Hang on because there are many for you to read through in my archives below. Now that should get you a bit excited or exhausted, you can decide, but nonetheless, WELCOME!
I am off to Ga. in the morning and truly, am ready to see my mom and help her in anyway possible. Her accident was one that made us all stop the pace of Christmas break... which was coming to an end. The ringing in of the new year was much more reflective now that she lie in intensive care with a broken neck, multiple bruises and a wounded spirit. However, the memory that remains from this ordeal is of a conversation she had with her surgeon just before she went into surgery. Connie, in her slurred speech, made eye contact with her surgeon saying, "Dr., I have been praying for you" and he replied without hesitation, "Connie, I have been praying for you too, let's do this thing" and off they went into surgery. This type of confidence and peace can only come from our divine creator. The One who sees is the One who knows and with that we are reassured of our futures. For so many of us, (us included) our futures are unknown and our paths seem to be hidden by some fog; but I am confident that, "the Lord gives wisdom and peace and from His mouth comes knowledge and understanding" Prov. 2:6 So, as I travel tomorrow I will trust in whatever he lays in my path and pray that I have ears and eyes to understand I am in His presence.
Blessings to all this new and wonderful 2009
Denise

This is a picture of Jessie our goat who is 6 weeks old and in recovery. We lost his brother "Checkers" on Dec. 28th and now Jessie is fighting back! Please read below an update regarding my mom's accident and her scheduled surgery today.
Blessings! Denise

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MobileMe Gallery - IMG_1065.JPG

Welcome to a New Year and new adventures

Family, friendships and fellowship that's what it's all about in 2009! This year has started with a test of faith and I know despite what life sends our way, the Lord is with us wherever we go! A matter of fact He is already ahead of me (us), protecting, paving and promising me (us) of His plan. I believe that and pray He reminds me of that often this year!
My mom is having surgery this morning because she was in a bike accident on Jan 30th and broke 2 vertebraes- #1 and #2- at the base of her skull. The helmet was her protection from possible paralysis or even death. God is her protection during this trial and has provided great wisdom to all involved. I praise Him for designing each of us with different passions and professions!
I pray the Lords presence is felt by mom and Tom as they trust in His provision over this surgery as well as her recovery. May He who is able, provide peace that surpasses all understanding and strength to the weary!
On another note, my 6 week old baby goat, Jessie, is still hanging on and we believe he is a fighter and will live! He is taking bottles every 4 hrs. and is getting stronger. If we could control the "runs" then he would gain some weight back but until then we continue to provide nourishment and love!
Blessings in the fire .... we wont get burned, but may feel the heat for awhile!
Denise

The Day After

Yesterday we celebrated Christmas with friends and family. The sun was shining, we rode horses, played games both outside and inside, opened gifts and celebrated the true gift of Christmas! Today it is a totally different day. It is colder and a bit dreary, the food is not as tempting (yet is still stored in my belly) and most of my family have left our home. Today may be a different day but the one thing that remains, is the reason we celebrate this season ... the gift of our Saviour Jesus Christ! I pray each person reading this blog has opened this gift of our Saviour and received Him into your lives. Receive the gift and hold it close! Grace to all who enter and receive the gift! May this be the best present you ever receive!

"And they will call Him Emmanuel - which means God with us" Matthew 1:23

Merry Christmas!
Denise

Oh That Hurts

There are times when I really hurt... physically, mentally, socially, emotionally and yes, spiritually. Yesterday, my oldest son, Hunter was "crunchin' abs" and today, he keeps reminding me how much he hurts physically.... "no pain, no gain , mom". While that may have some truth to his training right now, there are threads of truth to that old statement in the emotional realm as well. Thanksgiving evening (actually Fri. morning at 2:30am) the world lost a very special young girl, named Alexa Rohrbach. After struggling for the past 9 of her 11 years of life,the Lord allowed her to come home. I cannot express the emotional pain I am feeling as I am thinking of and praying for her family. They have been such pillars of strength spiritually and emotionally. The heavens opened up as she entered the gates and into the Father's arms. She is now cancer free and her health restored... her gain.
While reading this morning, in John 11, (the story of Lazarus), Mary cried out to Jesus and said, "Lord, if you had been here my brother would not have died." I began weeping and crying out myself, "Lord, you are always here but this pain is like a heavy weight resting on my heart. (I just saw Alexa on Mon. while in Atlanta). I hurt for parents who have children dying, I hurt for friends, whose parents are dying. Lord, mentally I know you are here, but it is really hard to deal with life's pains". Then I read further in verse 35, "Then Jesus wept". Jesus wept just like I have wept. Jesus knows our pain, is in control and understands the gain. There is pain and there is gain; we have to grab it and trust in Him as Lord despite life's circumstances. Rejoice in the Lord despite pain. Trust in Him with all our hearts and believe He will direct our paths! Now that is some weight I'd like to gain.
Lord, you are Lord when........... now you fill in the blank.
Blessings my friends,
Denise

Whatever!

"Whatever".... Man, what a great saying! ... I have a tendency to say it when frustrated or ready to quit. I also hear it from the kids I teach when they want to finish a conversation due to frustration. "WHATEVERRRRRRR" can you hear it?
This morning however, I heard it from God. I was crying out to God saying I can't do this teaching job anymore, and He said, "whatever you ask in my name I will give to you" "Ask for my help, my leadership Denise, and I will give it to you" Luke 18:27. I said, I can't because I am too tired, and God said,"I will give you rest in what ever situation you are facing" Matthew 11:28-30. So I went on a bit longer in this conversation with God. I said, I thought I was able but I am not the one for this job, and God said, "I will supply all your needs" Phil. 4:19 For nothing is impossible with me Denise, trust me, "For apart from Me, you can do nothing" John 15:5 You see God gave me a peace about today and I am not going to lose it .... at least for today that is. God is able, sufficient, powerful, present and truly in control. So, whatever you and I are facing, we have a choice to make. We can give it to Him, trust He will work all things together according to His plan or we can sit in our worlds of frustration and scream "WHATEVERRRR" and remain there for awhile, going nowhere. I have a reminder now fixed in my mind and so do you........ Go for it today and trust in His truths, For I can do all things through Christ in WHATEVERRRRRR situation I face, for He gives me strength and He offers it to you as well! Phil. 4:13.
Have a great week! Denise

Camping 101

What a great experience we just had at the Lodges at Eagle's Nest in Banner Elk. (http://www.eaglesnestbe.com/ ) I would say it was a camping experience mixed with an American Indian wanna be atmosphere. We started the weekend with a mean game of beach volleyball (yes, I did say beach and we were in the Mtns. close to 4000 ft.) against our dear friends the William's family. Next after beating the William's family we moved on to bigger and much rougher terrain. We spent over an hour of off road 4 wheelin'. This was so much fun but not so good on the back. Once we arrived at what seemed to be @ 5000 ft. we stood, then sat, then just rested as we watched the clouds move across the Mtns. What a sight. BUT, it was no where near the end of this fab day. We made our way back to the TEPEE Village (http://www.tipi.com/) to get ready for our Full Moon Cruise. How much fun was that! Over 40 people cruised to the top ridge where there was a roaring fire pit, ribs baking and BYOB and side dish... all of which was accompanied by the Lord's beautiful Full Moon! To conclude the night, the kids and I jumped into the hot tub (which resembled cascading water falls into a pond) and talked .... that is such a rare thing among adolescents, but not at Eagle's Nest! What a night!
The following day was just as great, except for the fact the Hammond family was defeated 2-1 in a rematch by the fierce and dedicated William's family. Kenny and I rode horses across the beautiful rolling Mtns. and fab. trails, the kids were engaged in archery and shot gun practice. (I think Colton and Miles spent at least 4 hrs. practicing target shooting throughout the weekend) and the meals were fresh and always ready for a 'smore. So, late Sun. afternoon we knew it was time to go. All good things must come to an end. No wait, I hate that saying ....... All good things can wait for another day! That is true at Eagle's Nest,but, with God's presence, you never have to wait. He is always here and available today!
OK, so my new day is actually tomorrow. I leave in the morning, with close to 200 Middle School kids for Windy Gap. My bags are packed, my cool-o-meter is in check and I believe, we are going to have the times of our lives .... spiritually, physically, emotionally, socially and ahhhh yes, mentally. I need your prayers, as leaving my farm and Kenny/Colton will be tough for 3 days, but hey, they can muck a stall like no one else! It should be good for their bonding, don't you think?! But seriously, I do need prayer, as there has been a lot of adjustment with working, scheduling, sports, personal play time, family, farm and my health.

So, it is off to "camp" yet again, I pray you find God in everything you do this week! I will look for His presence and little bits of fun up in them hills, you do the same OK!
Love to you all; get a lot of God this week, He is really COOL and Oh soooo Powerful! He wanted me to remind you of that!
Blessings friends,
Denise

Writing to make it stick!

When I catch my boys doing something that they clearly know not to do, I have them write. Mostly for repetition purposes, but also, as a punishment. This is to serve as a reminder to follow the rules or pay the consequences. So, I tell you this because Colton is supposed to ask before logging on to our computers, well, ooops, he "forgot" and was playing a game on the web. As a mom, who takes her job seriously, I felt it was important to remind him in a way that he would not "forget" in the future. So Colton had to write (30 times), "I will ask before logging on to the computer". I have this writing in front of me now as I write in this blog, so that, I may be reminded to ask God what He would have me do in the circumstances that I face each day. I might even write God a note saying, "I will ask you Lord, what you would have me do today, before I begin my day". I might write that 40 times just to be reminded.
So what about you? What do you need to be reminded of for the days ahead? Go to the Father and ask for His leadership on that one!
Blessings to all!
Denise