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December 31, 2008

For the Love of Music

I'm not sure how many of you actually listen to the Playlist that I have added to this blog, but if you do, you may have wondered about the variety of my music! And if you don't, turn up the speakers and listen to pieces of my heart, okay?

I grew up in a very musical household...Mom played the piano while Dad led the singin' at church. I tell people I was born on the second pew...that was my Mom's seat during service and where she plopped me down just days after I was born! There was always music being played in one form or another at home...Mom on the piano, someone whistling a tune, or listening to a record....or even an 8-track! Even when we were at my Grandparent's house, there was music being played...my Grandmother loved country music and all three of her kids learned to play piano! I have an uncle that plays jazz that I love to hear...too bad he never recorded anything!

So, let me explain my very diverse likes in music that are playing in the background.
First, Charlie Pride....he was my Grandma's favorite! One of my most vivid memories of being in her home is of me eating 'snuff' and listening to Charlie Pride! ('snuff' was made out of cocoa and sugar...just looked like what she and Grandpa were eating to my 5 yr old way of thinking!) She came down with Alzheimer's in the mid-70's so this memory is very special to me. She passed away the summer of '88 and I cannot wait to see her again in Heaven!

Second, Randy Travis....you will notice there is only one of his songs and it was 'our song' when we were dating in the late 80's!

Next, Reba and Garth. Dear hubs and I listened to country music for the first few years of our marriage and I loved Reba, he loved Garth! I stopped listening so much when I heard my then two year old DD1 singing "Take it Back" right along with Reba! I then went out and bought a few kids praise tapes for her to listen to...does anyone remember Psalty??? Anyway, as I was going through the music on the playlist site, I realized that I had grown to like Garth almost as much as dear hubs!

Let's see, what is left? Audio Adrenaline and Jars of Clay....they were popular when we first started listening exclusively to contemporary Christian radio and music and I fell in love with their music! I still like what they put out (Jars) and miss Audio A!!! Many of their songs have gotten me over a hump in my Christian life...Audio A and Beautiful, along with Hands and Feet. And my girls always loved Big House! Jars and their song, Take My Worlds Apart, reminds me to just let it go into God's hand! And I love Eleventh Hour.

Casting Crowns, Mercy Me, Stephen Curtis Chapman and FFH....I love their sound and the message behind the music! Vicky Beeching - we had an opportunity to see her perform with Rebecca St. James and I fell in love with her sound and her testimony!

So, see, even though I have very eclectic tastes, I can explain it all!!! God has used music to touch my life in so many ways! We have also raised musical daughters; DD1 sings in the honor choir at school and Bunny plays trumpet in her high school marching band! They bless me so much with their talent!

Well, DD1 starts her new job today so I should wrap this up! I hope and pray that 2009 brings you precious memories and a closer walk with our Savior!

Praise God from whom all blessings flow....like music and a new year!

God's girl, Pamela

December 26, 2008

My favorite Christmas gifts

What an awesome day!!! We hosted Christmas at our house for the first time and that was pretty special itself! But, oh, my girls outdid themselves!!!

First, I have to say my MIL did a great job choosing to buy The Shack for me...even though we have Miss PD today, I have made it through the first 7 chapters! It is starting off as a hard read..since I know someone that has been through a similar situation...but I am to the point where relationship is being explained and it just so fits with all that God has been teaching me in the last few months! Thank you!!!

Now, my girls. They are so precious to me. I have truly loved each stage of life...though some less than others!!! They are now teens and one is officially an adult, but whose counting??? Bunny has been reading some of my recent posts and figured out DD1 means dear daughter one and so signed the back of her gift as Dear Daughter 2!!! I just love that, not sure why but I do!!! She is definitely a dear daughter!!!

Her gift was a poster that she had so many random drawings, quotes and pics on that it will make your head swim. Can you say relational memory??? It is so her and absolutely awesome! I will be laminating it at Mardel so it will last for a VERY long time!

DD1's gift...I cannot possibly explain so I am just going to copy it here for you:

So I wrote this today as my Christmas presnt to my parents. For those who don't know in 8 months I will be moving out of my parents house into my own life. This is a tribute to the eighteen 1/2 years I've spent with them so far (by the time I leave it will be 19) It covers the good and the bad and the road ahead. With God beside us at evey step we've been covered by grace and love and will continue to put our trust in him even as our lives change drastically.

Eighteen point five years
And through it all have been many tears.
Times of laughter and pranks
And watching us move up in education ranks
Falling down and scraping a knee
Swimming out into the deep blue sea
With jokes at the table
We knew we were able
To make memories last
And not fade very fast.

Oh but we’ve had our troubles too
But God’s always put us through
The death of family and loving pets
Struggles to stay or get out of debt
Illnesses lasting days or weeks
And tears as children called me names worse than geeks
Falling into and breaking addictions,
Caused us all much internal affliction.

Through it all we’re a family
We all go together on one of those trees
But our time is drawing to a close
In a few months I’ll go where God’s wind blows
There have been times I’ve felt like hating you
And times I thought you hated me too
I know there are times I’ve hurt you; and you me
But I’m also sure that we often fill each other with glee
In a short time I’ll start my own story
And I’ll get to bloom like a beautiful morning glory.


Yes, we shed some tears over that one. She chose to read the poem to us Christmas morn and they passed me the box of tissues before she began! Oh, do my girls know their Momma or what???

This is a really strange place to be...knowing that your daughter is somewhat of an adult and yet still seeing her as such a child! I have had the privilege of watching her grow in the Lord so much in the last few months and know that He will take her to places that I can't even imagine...that He loves her so much more than I ever can!

Now, I am adding to the randomness of this post but...tomorrow is mine and dear hubs 20th anniversary. He does not read my blog so I can pretty well say anything that I want to about him but I desire to honor him, the way God wants me to.

Twenty years ago, you could have never convinced me that I would ever feel unloved by this man. Twenty years ago, you could have never convinced me we would only have daughters. Twenty years ago, you could never have convinced me that he would be anything other than a fine, upstanding, Christian husband! Some of you know exactly what I mean!!!

However, in the past twenty years I have learned....

That God loves me, even when my husband can't.
That my precious hubs carries a lot of emotional pain...and sometimes shuts out the rest of the world, including me!
That daughters are the most precious resource available!!! (my opinion, leave me be!!!)
That sometimes, life isn't fair...but God is always there.
That deep down inside, my dear man always loves me...hard concept for me!
That after 20 yrs, I can love him more, deeper, sweeter than I did on our wedding day!

I love my dear hubs because....he is always looking out for me. Sometimes, my independent spirit fights against this but it is still true!
I love my dear hubs because....he is a treasure...buried deep inside an absolutely gorgeous earthen vessel. (my opinion, leave me be!!!)
I love my dear hubs because....he has made an unbelievable commitment to stay by my side.

Simply stated...I love my dear hubs! He is the most awesome man I know!!! I am so thankful that God brought us together all those years ago and that He has never left our side!

Thank you for listening....hope your holiday was all that you desired!

Praise God from whom all blessings flow...like dear daughters and a precious husband!!!

God's girl, Pamela

December 22, 2008

True Love

John 3:16 Need I say more???

Hosanna by Hillsong United:

I see the king of glory
Coming on the clouds with fire
The whole earth shakes
The whole earth shakes

Yeeeah

I see his love and mercy
Washing over all our sin
The people sing
The people sing

[Chorus]
Hosanna
Hosanna
Hosanna in the highest [x2]

I see a generation
Rising up to take their place
With selfless faith
With selfless faith

I see a near revival
Stirring as we pray and seek
We're on our knees
We're on our knees

[Chorus]

Heal my heart and make it clean
Open up my eyes to the things unseen
Show me how to love like you have loved me

Break my heart for what breaks yours
Everything I am for your kingdoms cause
As I go from nothing to
Eternity

LOVE! This has been a heart subject for me for quite some time. I have felt so drawn to share my feelings on this post before Christmas, and if I didn't do it today, it would probably not happen. So...

The part of the song above that says, "Show me how to love like you have loved me" just rings over and over in my head. How does He love me?? Enough to die for me!!!

Give Me Your Eyes by Brandon Heath

Give me your eyes for just one second
Give me your eyes so I can see
Everything that I keep missing
Give me your love for humanity
Give me your arms for the broken hearted
The ones that are far beyond my reach
Give me you heart for the ones forgotten
Give me your eyes so I can see

The line that gets me in this chorus is, "Give me Your love for humanity." Once again, that love was willing to die for us!

Knowing this, why do I have such a hard time truly loving others???

Am I willing to give up convenience, even, to show someone I love them???
I'm talking more about little things here, things that tend to drive me crazy....like a dog using my yard and the owner not picking up after their animal. Like a neighbor that doesn't care for his yard, or car, or family the way that I think he should. Like a friend that really needs time away from a child, but because I'm too busy, I cannot give even a moment to calm Mom or child down. Like a teen that needs an ear, but I'm focused on my agenda and just can't find extra time to listen. Like someone that needs a ride, but because it is not in my direction, I can't take you there.

Jesus WILLINGLY gave Himself to DIE for us...talk about inconvenience! I know there is the problem of being used for a doormat, the problem of safety for a woman alone. I know we are not perfect and therefore cannot love perfectly. But I can do more, I should do more...because Jesus tells us to love Him with all we have, and our neighbors as ourselves!

I was so convicted reading Ally's blog. That is a love from the heart of God. I desire to love like that.

Will you love with me???

With all my heart...MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Praise God from whom all blessings flow...

God's girl, Pamela

December 21, 2008

I'm tired of seeing ALL ABOUT ME as my headliner!!! I am waiting right now, though for Miss PD to arrive and just haven't found even a few minutes to sit and update...so, I am changing it with this shorty!!!

Sadness: Cowboys lost!!! How could they???
Temperature: COLD!!!! We were in the 'deep freeze' the beginning of last week and we froze again this morning...25 degrees! Thankfully, this one came without precip! We southern folk truly forget how to drive if there is ice on the road!

The 'deep freeze' means that temps at DFW airport stayed below freezing for more than 24 hrs!!!

Now, I have a child bribing me to fold clothes and towels so I guess I should really close!!!

Praise God from whom all blessings flow....

God's girl, Pamela

December 15, 2008

All About ME!!!

Do you know how hard those words are for a middle child??? Oh, my, goodness...I think the only time life has ever been all about me was on my wedding day - and then I had the FLU!!! Yes ma'am, the FLU!!! So, I really couldn't enjoy it like I should have! Oh, but we got married just the same and are still enjoying each other's company after all these years!

These are a few of my favorite things: I love me some veggie supreme pizza - minus the 'shrooms and a few of them colorful pepper thingys! I enjoy that sweet broccoli salad somebody always brought for the teacher luncheon. Man, I miss being a teacher just for that! I loved,loved,loved 'ALL DAY DINNER AND SINGIN' ON THE GROUNDS' when I was growing up...isn't that what they are called??? (Just smile and nod!) Those Tennessee women know how to cook! So, knowing this, you can imagine I am still all about the church pot-luck...you know, truly pot luck! I don't want a planned menu; if there are three meats, one veggie and twenty desserts, I'll meet you at the dessert table! If there are two desserts, 16 meats and 40 veggies, I'll BEAT you to the dessert table!!!

My favorite type of food...well, that depends on the mood! One thing I could always go for, though...El Fenix! When I was a teenager, they had this buffet and we spent the Sundays close to birthdays and anniversaries at that buffet line! This is also where dear hubs and I logged most of our dating time! Their cheese enchiladas are SSSSSSSOOOOOOOOOO delish! Their soft cheese tacos are the best! Their rice and beans...yummy!!! Their guacamole...oh, my! I might just have to go get me a plate for lunch!!! And after you had lunch or dinner at the buffet, this sweet waiter or waitress would come 'round with a basketful of soapapillas....still warm! Open that, put in some honey and I am in love all over again!!! Boy, I sure do miss that buffet!!!

Side note: when we were overseas and I was prego with DD1 and dear hubs was in the field, I got a horrible craving for El Fenix! I woke up after having this all too real dream that I was there....REALLY THERE! I could hear the music playing and smell the food and just so feel the atmosphere in my dream. I have never been so disappointed to wake up from a dream in my whole life!!!

Well, now you know all about my food fetishes! What else is there in life???

HMMM, I love to read! Especially fiction! I don't watch TV to escape, that is what a book is for! My Mom raised me with this wonderful imagination and TV messes with that! But a book....I can put myself inside and be a part of the story. Now, dear hubs likes TV and I sure wish I could figure out how to read a book while he is watching TV...but that is his quality time love language! So, I'll read later!

Some of my favorite fiction authors (not an exhaustive list!): Janette Oke, T. Davis Bunn, Frank Peretti, Janet Peart, Kathryn Keene. Some other favorite authors: John and Stasi Eldredge, Matthew Paul Turner, Thomas Kinkade (yes, he writes too!), Max Lucado, Emilie Barnes. I'm tellin' y'all, I love to read!!!

I am a thinker...refer to above paragraph about imagination! I will have to admit, though, that if left alone for too long, I will think myself silly! Maybe that is why I am always surrounded by my family that loves me! I'm not detail oriented, though, so while I can think out a whole situation, I cannot reason it out and if I find myself in said situation, I am in trouble because I didn't work out all the details!!! Understand??? (me, neither!!!)

I love to work with my hands, paper, glue and frillies! That is why I make cards! Nothing smells better than glue, freshly sharpened pencils and newly opened paper! Wish there was some way to make money off of it...but I'm not that good!

I love to just walk down EVERY aisle in Michael's and Hobby Lobby! I enjoy all the different textures of paper and material (Hancock's too!). I love walking into Mardel and feeling instant peace and spending hours looking at the art and books sections - one daughter would be with me, the other in the music!!!

I enjoy baking...especially desserts (refer to 2nd paragraph!) I like making desserts for people because for a moment, it makes them happy! As I type, I am eating some of last night's Something Else that we took for a church pot-luck! I enjoy trying out new dessert recipes...when I am all by myself (that helps to keep me from thinking so much!!!).

I have a people pleaser tendency...remember, I'm the middle child!
I have a messy tendency....not that I can live that way, it just catches up with me after awhile! If you come to see me, don't look at my house!!! Unfortunately, I married a messy so you can guess where the children fall!!! I say I am a messy but I also have perfectionistic tendencies...i.e., if I do clean a room, it has to be CLEAN! Sometimes, that is why I am a messy...because I jut don't want to fight the perfectionist in me! I stress dear hubs out when I get on a cleaning tear..seriously stressful situation in this household!!! Just doesn't really add to the peace! And one of the precious children, took after me! Her room is either spotless or messy...no in between! Yep, that is so me!!!

Well, I think that is enough for now. If you have made it this far...Mom, does that sound like me??? This was fun but oh, so hard!!!

I am going to pass this on to Carolina, Charity, Miss Larissa and my friend, Rose. Now, y'all get to have fun telling us all about YOU!!! I can't wait to see how we all mesh together! Aren't you glad we are sisters in Christ and can love each other in spite of our differences?? Yeah, me too!!!

Special shout out::: HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SUNSHINE!!! My little brother turned a whopping 33 yesterday!!! Love you, Uncle D.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow....like sisters in Christ and brothers that turn 33!!!

God's girl, Pamela

December 10, 2008

Congratulations, Jen!!!

Jen at "Reflections in my Window" is the winner of a cookbook!!! Be sure to check out her blog...it is really cool! Also, please pray for Jen as she is about to go in for some surgery. You can read more about that on her blog.

Thank you for participating in this give-away! I have enjoyed getting to 'know' even more blog sisters and popping onto your blogs!

Hopefully, my next post will be the promised 'Me' post from a couple of weeks ago. After 20 yrs of marriage and 18 of Mommyhood, it is proving a bit hard to separate just who I am as far as likes and dislikes. One of my questions...do I really prefer cheese pizza? Hmmm, stay tuned to find out!

Want a laugh? Check out a youth pastor in Colorado. Click on Yes...I am 'that guy'. My girls and I have never laughed so hard together! Thanks to Without Wax for letting us know about it via Twitter! And after you have stopped laughing, if you have time check out the prank that followed!
I know I am being vague but it is just too funny to spoil any of it!

I hope your Advent season is going great! I pray you are finding times of peace each day to see Jesus. I will be honest with you, days Miss PD is here - especially the 51 hrs straight over the weekend! - I am not finding many times of peace to focus on Him. Okay, finding NONE! I do remember this is part of the first year of a precious one's life, though, and that this too will pass.

Also, be sure to click on Jessica Turner's button on the right side to visit her site and sign-up for some cool give-aways for scrapbookers this week!

Closing for now! Y'all have an awesome Thursday and weekend coming up.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow.....like Spring Fricks who blessed my daughter!

God's girl, Pamela

December 5, 2008

Another Give-away!

**UPDATE**
Obviously, Wednesday is Dec 10!!!

As my loyal readers know, I recently gave up some homemade Christmas cards to Rose and she posted about them on her blog. Well, Lysa Terkeust is now hosting a Cool Christmas Giveaway and I am jumping in! There are other give-aways linked to her blog so be sure to jump over and check those out. One of them is giving away the new Barlow Girl Christmas CD!

I am giving away "Home Cooking around the world"... a collection of recipes by David Ricketts. The front page has been signed...I am re-gifting! However, I have a very picky family and we have never tried a one of these recipes. I know it was given in good faith that it would be used and I would like for it to fill just that purpose...hopefully in your home!

I will also add, if you would like, a custom scrapbook page..sz 12x12. This would be customized with your favorite colors. Please leave a comment and tell us one of your favorite Christmas memories. I will share mine below.

Many of you know, it is really tight around here this Christmas but I really desire to be a blessing in spite of the circumstances. The give-away will close on Wednesday, Dec. 12.

Miss PD is headed over a bit later today so I need to close...fast!

Praise God from whom all blessings flow.... like Christmas of 1977 when my sweet big sister bought me a box of chocolate chip cookies!!! Best ever! I love you, SIS!!!

God's girl, Pamela

December 2, 2008

Happy Holydays!

I cannot believe it is already December! And I realized this morn that I have not yet got out the Advent calendar...hmmm, wonder how deep in the closet it has been pushed??? We have some busy weekends ahead so not sure when we will take time to decorate for Christmas...seems to be coming up really fast, though!

Miss PD is back...Mom found a dispatch job pretty close to home so hopefully it will work out for me to have her 5 days/week! She is such a joy!

My Bunny passed me a note on Saturday letting me know in no uncertain terms that we needed to spend time together! How awesome is that??? We went to the fabric store...lots of inspiration but not sure it will go far...then to the Starbucks, of course! She did LOTS of talking! It was so good to share relationship with her again; I sure have missed my girl!

I started reading the Gospels a few months back, and taking time to pore over anything that I wanted to know more about. It has been an interesting journey and I am learning so much about Jesus walk on this earth. I share all this to say, I had a really neat moment this morn when I realized I am starting on Luke! What an awesome place to start in December! But then, our God is the awesome God and the God Most High so why should this surprise me? He cares so deeply for each of us and desires to show us His love in very special ways each day!

Oh yes, Lord, I see Jesus!

What are some ways that Jesus shows Himself in your life? Please share!

My love to each of you and my prayer is that you will see Jesus each and every day during this Holyday season!

Praise God from whom all blessings flow....

God's girl, Pamela