Blessings of ALL shapes and sizes!

Hello to all, I know it has been awhile since I last "blogged". But life has been in the way. I still get emotional when I think about Home; both Austin and San Antonio. And San Antonio is still not speaking to me. I keep trying to email and write to them. I would call but I don't think they would answer. Oh well we live and learn.
This past week I have spent testing for my new job. Here it is allot different then in Austin. The church daycare that I will be working at, has me going to get fingerprints done in "Greenville" and has me testing for a commercial drivers license. That is so I can drive the Church school bus and pick up the kids after school. I often thought about driving a school bus. But I guess this shows you that "dreams" do come true. Be careful what you "wish" for. Make sure it is something you want to try. Either way I'm excited about it. Those kids have not a clue has to how much fun we can have on the bus. The people I will be working for are awesome. It almost feels like I've been there for years.
Once again living in the country never ceases to amaze me. I was sitting out on the front porch and admiring the full moon over the house; and off in the distance you could hear and see the "mighty" display of a huge Thunderstorm. It was so beautiful. Watching the lightening was amazing. And it was so quiet out here that you could hear it. And the coolest part was that it was happening in Oklahoma. To be able to have a full moon and a thunderstorm in the sky at the same time; I tell you God has ways of reminding me that he is ALL powerful and Almighty. Even the frogs were quiet.
Well we finally got the latest addition to the ranch. The "girls" were delivered yesterday at about 5:30 in the afternoon. And they are soooo pretty. We are now the proud parents of 3 mares. One is a "sorrel"; that is the color of "Penny"; and actually she looks like a "small" version of her. And her name is Birdie; she is only 15mos. old. It will be almost 2yrs. before we can actually ride her. So that is just perfect for us; we will enjoy getting to know and love her. The Other one is a "Red Roan"; she is a burgundy with a "merle" gray in her mix. Her name is "Loretta"; and she is about 10yrs. old. She has a great temperament; and loves to be petted and loved on. Our last one is a "chocolate" brown; she is 20yrs. old and her name is "Carmen". She too has a great disposition. They are all very lovable and easy to love on. And I don't mind watching or listening to them. We are not riding them until it gets cooler. It is just to hot to ride; even in the evening. Besides by the time I get dinner done and get things ready for the next day. Its time for "lights" out. There isn't any place that I can honestly say "moves" my inner feelings about being close to God; like living out here. Some times it is so dark outside; I think that I could reach out and touch his hand. It is the neatest feeling in the world; to feel like someone as big as God can be so close. If your still at night and sitting quietly (away from the house); you can hear "nature" at night. You would be surprised at all the sounds of the night. They come at you from different directions. Each one is so unique; and it has all been orchestrated for you by God. What a magnificent feeling. And at the moment you are the only one in attendance. How awesome; to be so cared for and so loved. How can anyone not want to get closer? Take care and I pray that you are all safe and anxiously awaiting "school" and new friendships. Before I go; I want to say something to my "kids". You may never know how very proud of you I am. Both my own 3; and the magnificent adults they have become; and to the ones whose lives have been mingled with mine. I have had a summer filled with compliments of all of you; and I take it all in; and store it in my memories; so that when I am having a "pity party" (seems like I can hardly ever get anyone to come too); I take them out and go over the goodness that God has blessed me with. For those of you where I have been your 2nd Mom; for me to get the compliments is nothing short of a Blessing. I love you ALL.

Many Hugs & Blessings,
Karen (MoM)

Story from the Heart!

I have to say that life out here tends to be at times a never ending flow of learning; whether it is about life itself or the animals we live with; or the ones around us. I seem to be able to learn something amazing all the time. One of the things that comes to mind right now is this past week when I shared that we had gone on one of our evening walks and I thought I heard "puppies" and it turned out to be "piglets" of the wild variety. I went walking again a few days later with Dale and he asked me if I had seen our neighbors yard across the road;"I told him, no why"? He showed me and I was shocked. It seems that the pigs decided to do a bit of yard work. They dug up almost the whole yard. I had no idea that they could do so much damage. They stay away from ours most likely because of the dogs. The whole yard looked like someone took a tiller and tilled up the yard. It was truly amazing.
The other life lesson I have learned and am still learning about are my "emotions"; there are some days that I swear if "God and I" did not know better; I would think that I was pregnant. Then there are days were everything is so funny or just incredible. I am thinking about where I was at a year ago. Watching all the kids get ready for school and wishing that my own kids were back there so I could watch them cross safely across the street. Some of you are getting ready to watch yours move off to begin a whole new part of their lives. Off to a "dorm" room, and a whole new set of activities. You will wonder I'm sure; are they are making the correct choices; or are they making healthy eatting choices. Are they getting enough sleep; are they keeping up with their studies. There are a whole new set of concerns that we learn to live with. And yet every year that I was at home I recalled all of them. Somehow every year those "concerns" would come around; then I would just tell myself that they made it this far; and God is watching over them better than I ever could. Even Sarah who is and has been married and gone for about 5 or 6 years; I still recall those times. These are my "trigger" times. By this I mean at the beginning of each school year is my time to walk through my mind and feel those "Mom feelings". The ones that remind me of all the "sharp curves" and "blind siding" that we experienced while they were growing up. Would I do it all again; you bet. Albeit I would do a few things differently; but for the most part it would stay the same. To me watching our children go from "dependence" to "independent" is one of the heartbreaking times of life for Mom's. So if your one of those Mom's my heart is right there with you. But also know that you have blessed your children with some great memories; ones that they will treasure for the rest of their lives. They also have "stories" and "set examples" for their own children. YOU have provided a path to follow in their adult years. What a great reward for you to watch. So enjoy the school years and all they bring. Have a blessed week.

Blessings,
Karen

HOME!

Home again....We were blessed to be able to go to Tennessee and see Joshua in his first Pro Play( he actually gets paid $35.00 a play). It is called "Twilight of the Gods". One of his "cast-mates" is actually an actress; in fact she is in the latest movie with Gweneth Paltrow and Tim McGraw. I believe she is one of the main characters in the movie. Very nice young lady. The rest of the cast was equally as interesting. And all were very nice. We were able to go up on Friday just in time for opening night. Then we spent the rest of the weekend with Joshua; and meeting his friends. He did have a play on Saturday night; and Dale and I went out on the town. Boy let me tell you we are a couple of real "party goers". We drove up and down the streets and could not find a space to legally park; but did enjoy watching the sights. We did think about going on a "Ghost Tour"; but it just seemed like to much of a hassle. Like I said we're real "party goers" ; after our exciting night out we went home. Thank God for a "Garmin" or there is no telling where we would have ended up at. On Sunday we did some sight seeing with Joshua; (much better) and had allot of fun. This was followed by going to his church with him at a bar; yes that is right it was at a local bar. They allow them to use it on Sundays. It is at a place called "The Cannery", which is on Cannery Row. It was really "real". And different from any other church building we have been to. But at the same time the people were genuine and the service was awesome. Afterwards we went out to eat with Joshua and a group of his friends. They were really neat to hang out with. Of course later I did the "mom inquiry"; "so Son are you interested in any of the girls"; to which he replied "No Mom" we're just friends. Of course I was thinking along the lines of the actress that he is in the play with. But Joshua will only date if he really likes someone; won't do it just to say "guess who I went out with" ? What a guy. I have to say I am proud of him. On the way home we met up with another friend of his for lunch; and he makes the "bestest ever" fudge in the world. Oh my gosh. It is so very good. Joshua does have some pretty neat friends; and they all care about each other.
Well being back here is very quieting and peaceful. I look around me and thank God for my blessings. This weekend we are to be getting 3 horses. We are all very excited about this. Especially my Mother In-Law and I. 2 of the horses we can ride and the one is still to young. So when the "kids" come to visit we will have "horses" to ride. It was so cool tonite; I was outside and could hear a "thunderstorm" but yet we were not getting any of it; in fact it was sunny outside. I have never experienced that in town. In fact our "weather" alert had gone off. The storm was about 50miles away. Another amazing wonder. Tonite I received a really special phone call from one of my younger "kids"; his words just melted my heart and I felt so blessed that God has allowed me to not only be able to have been involved in his young life ; but also to be able to hear how he loves me. For me this is what "life is about" ! I always said my life revolves around kids and always will. Thank you God.

"FIRE"

Guess life just keeps on coming. Whether or not your ready it just keeps on coming. We had our first "Adrenalin" rush. Dale and I were getting ready to go to Nashville to watch Joshua. I looked outside because it was looking "hazy". Then I asked Dale if he was burning brush and forgot about it.....No, not just NO but heck No. We went outside and I told Dale I was going to call the Fire Department. First he said no, and went out to "beat" the fire out. I could see that was not going to work at all. And it was about 50ft. from our house. So I took matters into my own hands and called. Then I ran in and got the fire extinguisher. Didn't help much either. Then I pulled out the hose and started watering. In the meantime I had called the Fire Dept. and (I forget we are now in the country) they asked me how to get to our house; and what county we lived in. I told them, "how am I supposed to know, I just moved here in May; I thought that you guys knew how to get here". I then told them to call my in-laws and they would tell them how to. It took about 10minutes for them to get here. But I sure was glad to see them. After the fire was out they invited us to the "Firehouse" on Saturday for a cookout. Seems the whole town is going. What a way to introduce yourself to the Fire Dept. Not quite the way I wanted to meet; but oh well.
Blessings to All,
Karen

Something New

OK Katie this one is for you....You would be so proud of me. I have started walking later at night mainly because it is cooler; and I am too lazy to get up early. But after last night I think I may change my mind. Dale likes to walk the dogs last thing at night, before we go to bed. He also takes his gun when he goes; and most of the time he will take a flashlight. And last night was no different. I am determined to get healthy; especially now that I have a job with kids. So now I can concentrate more on me. Now when Dale takes the dogs out it is more like a "slow" walk. He doesn't need to power walk like I do. So, we leave the house with dogs in tow to WALK; and I'm thinking I want to power walk, so I have my "curve" special shoes on. But I can't convince Dale to do the same.
We get to the end of the driveway; maybe a quarter of a mile ( and thats stretching it); and I'm thinking maybe we could walk down the road to his folks mailbox. We get to the end of our drive way and I'm hearing, what I think is puppies. I make Dale stop with the dogs and listen. Well by now the dogs are all on alert. Dale is standing in the dark (he forgot the flashlight) and is hearing what I was hearing. I looked at him and asked," should we go rescue them". He looks at me and says, "those are not puppies; those are baby pigs"! I'm thinking to myself the guy across the road doesn't have pigs; so ...... Dale said," start walking very fast and I'll the dogs" (that alone took an act of Congress); those dogs were wanting to check out the noise. When he catches up he informs me that those are wild hogs; and they will kill and eat the dogs. Not to forget that they are known for charging humans. Great way to power walk/run. Teach me to think that everything in the country is "cute" when their babies. Or at least think first before I "go rescue". Now getting back to power walking; I think mornings might be in order!

Karen Martin
"There is no such thing as a problem, that does not have a gift in it". Now it is up to me to find the GIFTS.
Tim Hansel

Encouragement for "life"

Do you ever wake up and wonder if your on the right path in life? Ever lay there and ask God to speak to you; just a few words to maybe let you know your making the right decisions? Or even if he cares enough to speak to you? I do. And I have more lately then ever before in my entire life. We're still facing some "financial" giants; and even some personal major/minor issues. The financial ones will take time and a lawyer with a big heart. The personal ones; well lets just say that I am learning to "let go and let God"; or better yet "God can, I can't so I think I'll let Him". Both sound really great, and they are it is just a little harder to put them in action. But hey I'm making it happen. And with each passing day, and with each prayer, prayed it gets less and less painful. Then I often let my thoughts move on to the "here and now" of life. Did I make the right choice, what could I have done different. Dale hated his job more and more. Our home became an "illness". Literally, the house was so bad; behind the walls we had no idea. It has had to have a MAJOR over haul just to bring it to code. At first I wanted to sell the house as is. I didn't care what was wrong with it. Then I realized that if another young family bought it they would expect it to be "safe". And I wanted that to be. So God blessed us with someone who was willing to "flip it" for us. You would have thought that I was satisfied with this answer. Then came the "family" drama with my side. And I wondered was I abandoning my "parents"; because that is what was said to me. But still I pressed on; reassuring them that I was indeed not abandoning them in any way. And the rest of the drama followed. But still on I went. Sent off with tearful, and wonderful "miss yous" and promises to keep in touch. And thanks to 3 wonderful young ladies; determined I might add, it is so. I have been blessed with seeing them and the folks I love; not everyone, but most. So it is to God that I credit my strength and ability to "flourish" where I am at. It has not been easy emotionally; but physically it has been a good choice. It has been the best choice for Dale. And for that I am so thankful. He is once again the "fun" man that I married and fell in love with. Not that I ever did not love him; but you know what I mean. He brings home "snakes" so I know what to look for. I've found amazing wildlife under old boards and other things strewn about. Animals I did not know looked like they did. I've watched my in-laws come back to life. And I have had the amazing privilege of watching Dale and his Dad work together; building and painting fences. And the many other "God given" wonders I have been able to see.
After seeing and listening; you would have thought that by now I "get" it. I am where I am supposed to be. But no not me....at least not until this morning. When I found it in writing. In Isaiah 54:10 and in Deuteronomy 31:6 God promises me he is there for me always; and he has been; I just have not been good at really listening. And now I will do more listening and less trying to do this on my own. Thanks for listening.
hugs and blessings,
Me
PS This is a daily devotional I get. This is what led me to this story. Hope you can see the parallel : )



Does God Still Speak to Ordinary People?
Glynnis Whitwer

"All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit,
whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things
and will remind you of everything I have said to you." John 14:25-26 (NIV)

Devotion:
The Bible tells amazing stories of God speaking directly to humans. God walked and talked with Adam. He spoke through a burning bush to Moses, and God had direct messages for His people after speaking with the prophets of old. Growing up, I wondered if God had stopped speaking to normal people after Bible times. After all, I never heard Him speak.

Years went by, I matured in my faith, got married, taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, and loved God and His people. But I never heard Him speak to me. Honestly, it didn't bother me much, because I figured God had said all He needed to say, and it was in the Bible. What more did I need to hear?

Apparently, God had something more to say. It wasn't until we moved across country that I discovered He longed to communicate personally with me.
Twelve years ago, my family moved from Phoenix to Charlotte. It wasn't a move I wanted, but I begrudgingly acquiesced to support my husband's dream of living somewhere else. Instead of embracing the adventure, all I saw was loss: my career, church, friends and extended family. I was heartbroken.
It was in that condition I started hearing God "speak" to me. It wasn't in an audible voice, or in any unusual way, just a clear voice in my spirit. One that hadn't been there before. God put Scriptures in my mind I didn't know I had memorized. He spoke words of encouragement specifically for me. He gave me direction to do things I never would have done on my own. Here's an example.
We had been church searching for a few weeks when God directed us to a small congregation meeting in a grade school. One week, a lovely young woman gave her testimony. My heart was moved. That very same week, I heard a radio spot by the woman who had spoken at the church. God spoke to me in a way I'd never before experienced and He clearly told me to call her and offer my services as a volunteer.
I was startled, but obeyed. It took a few phone calls, but I finally reached Lysa TerKeurst, the President of Proverbs 31 Ministries.
"Hi Lysa," I said. The next words came tumbling out of my mouth as I blurted, "I've just moved to Charlotte, I saw you at church, then heard you on the radio. I've got a degree in Journalism and I'm wondering if you need any volunteers."
There was a pause on the other end of the phone before Lysa answered, "We've been praying for someone with a degree in Journalism."
It was exciting to hear God speak to me, and I began to understand what Jesus meant when He said God the Father would send His Holy Spirit to communicate with us. I saw how God was orchestrating events when I listened to and obeyed His Spirit within me. In a conversation with a friend from home, I told her about this new experience. She said that perhaps my life had been too full to hear God before my move.
She was right, but there was more. I was very independent and made decisions without consulting God. In truth, I hadn't needed Him or His counsel, very much. Or so I thought. It wasn't until everything I depended on was removed, that I became empty and desperate for God to fill me. From my place of need, God's Spirit became my counselor, comforter and guider.
Years ago, I asked God for help in this area. I knew I had the potential to slip back into my independent ways, and I wanted to keep hearing His voice. I asked Him to always keep me humble and in need of Him. Although that was a hard prayer to pray, it's even harder to live out because God answered it. If that's the price of hearing God, I'll gladly pay it.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for speaking to ordinary people through Your Holy Spirit. Forgive me for the times I get busy and independent. I want to hear Your voice above all else. Help me to trim things from my life so there is room for You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

YES LORD YES!!!!

Well Blessings finally fell from Heaven. This morning I had to get up early to take Dale to his parents to go fishing with his brother. It was really nice being up before "sunrise". The air was sort of damp from the humidity; and you could really smell ALL the farm odors. Even the chicken farms. But all mixed together with fresh hay; lets just say it was not bad; not bad at all. Our own "kids" of the 4 legged variety were sniffing like there was never ever going to be a chance to sniff again. They were just too funny. Anyway we came back home and I sat on the couch by the window so I could watch the sunrise while I did a Bible Study. It was so nice and peaceful. We all had breakfast; then sat down. Them for a "morning nap" and me to finish up some things I wanted to get done. By the time I got ready to leave for a job interview; I had everything with me that I would need for that, and for a few errands afterwards. Boy I'm getting good at this. If you take everything with you and do all the errands you can think to do and finish up; then you won't be going back and forth to town all week. I went to my interview at First Baptist Church in Mount Vernon; and when I got there I noticed that the Pastor's name is "Pepper Puryear"; yep you read it right. I thought this has got to be "God" talking to me. I mean some of my most precious kids have the last name of Puryear. You guessed it; I got the job on the spot. Boy did that feel good. If I didn't weigh so much I would have tried cartwheels. But jumping up and down would have to suffice for now. I ran home and the "kids" were the first to learn; they just barked and wagged their tails allot. I've called just about everyone to share the news. Boy am I finally looking FORWARD to doing things here at home. Now I don't have to concentrate on a JOB. Well I hope that everyone has a great rest of the day......

Hugs and Blessings to ALL,

I can hardly believe that August is here. And that we have been here for almost 3mos. And I still don't have all the boxes unpacked. I have so much to be thankful for. I have a beautiful home with lots of room for animals. We are going to be getting a horse with in the next few weeks. And Dale's health is better than ever. There are still things in my personal life that I wish were better; but hopefully that will mend itself in due time. I have learned allot since we have moved here. I've learned how to cook fresh foods in so many great ways; I've learned that if you ask for help,people are almost always willing to lend a hand; I've learned that even "spandex" stretches only so far; most of all I'm learning to be happy with where I am at in my life. People here would rather barter than get money; that is something I have not seen in a while. I have also seen people reach out to help others and not worry about the cost. I have seen others go out of their way to go help a neighbor clean their house; and even cook for them; all because their friend was hurting. I hope I get the chance to be like that. When I was coming back my "Mother In-law" helped Dale to clean the house because I was bringing home "guests". It reminded me of the "friends" I have back in Austin. I'm learning all about being patient and waiting to see what God has planned for me. Job hunting is not for the "impatient or faint of heat". There are days when I feel like the "energizer bunny" ran me over. The days are so hot; and here lately they have been humid. But the evenings are the best. About every other evening we go for a ride in the country, complete with dogs. They absolutely love it. Bolt gets out as far as he can with out actually falling out the window. He likes to sniff all the "country air" smells. Jack well he likes to put his neck out but he and Bolt fight over Dales' lap. Puzzles likes to sit behind my neck and let the wind blow on her face. And Rusty, well he gets the whole back seat and likes to just sit back and chill. I love the drive and all the different scents going through the air. Now especially around here they are bailing hay; and that smells so good. I also like the different "wildlife" families I have gotten to see in the open. I came across a Raccoon and her babies the other day and was able to watch her as she rushed them all into the tree. She was behind them, to make sure they all got in. And last night on our way home Dale and I saw an entire "skunk" family. We thought at first it was a fox or some other critter; then when we slowed down we discovered that this particular wildlife was not one we wanted to pause and watch. At least not closely. The tree covered lanes offer a very nice cool ride on a summer evening; especially when a breeze is kicking up. The sunsets are continually amazing and breath taking. Slowly but surely Dale and I are getting the front porch to where we can sit out and enjoy watching "life". We got a "bull" and he is so sweet. I'm hoping eventually he will let me pet him. We still have not gone and gotten our "heifers" from neighbors. No one around here is in a hurry.
I do miss Austin; the kids, and running them around. But soon enough they are all going to have their own licenses and be taking one another to places. I'm sitting here watching my four legged "kids" snooze out. Bolt snores as bad as I do. Puzzles is laying on top of Bolt and Jack is on a pillow looking out the window. Rusty is asleep on the cool tile floor. How at peace they all are, they sleep deeply knowing that Dale and I will be here for them. That they are well loved. Isn't this how we should be feeling knowing that we are children of God. I so want to have that "deep" feeling of peace. And believe me I am working on it. I am going out later to pick berries off of the vines in back of our house. I hope I don't meet any wildlife. On second thought I'll just wait for Dale to get back and he can help me. One of the neatest things about our new home is all the windows we have. I absolutely love it. I can see out just about anywhere. Tomorrow I go out again in search of a job. Please keep me in your prayers. I have had people buying MonaVie. But that is about it for now. Well I gotta go finish dinner. There is nothing like the smell of home cooking.

Blessings,
Karen