6 Years Ago Today...

I believe that God had me start this blog as a way to remember. Time and time again in the Bible, especially in the Old Testament, the Israelites would have an encounter with God and then build an altar to Him so they would never forget Him or what He had done for them. They used these altars as places of worship and places of remembrance. They used them as visual, tangible reminders so they could tell their children, grandchildren, and generations to come about God.

That is what I want my blog to be - a visual, tangible reminder of what God has done in my life and what He can/will do in the lives of generations to come. God never changes. He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

So, God is using this particular time of year with its many anniversary dates of major events and people in my life to build this written altar to Him as a fragrant offering of praise on my journey to learn how to completely trust Him.

Six years ago today, February 28, 2003, was a cloudy Friday. Shawn was at work. Tanner was at school. Faith Wrenn and I were at church doing some fun activities with my friends and their children.

On the way to church that morning, I had called my husband Shawn (I'm going to call him SS from now on), but he couldn't talk because he was in a meeting. He said he would call me back. It was now lunch time, and I hadn't heard back from him. So, I tried calling him but no answer. Odd. He had a pager and a cell phone due to his job as an investigator at the sheriff's dept. He rarely missed a call. I called a few more times and still no answer.

An uneasy feeling surfaced. Actually, I had been dealing with some very strong emotions lately but had attributed them to some anniversary dates that were approaching. I thought God was having me deal with some unresolved issues from an event that I'll blog about on March 14. I now know that God was preparing me for what was about to happen, not something from the past.

Anyway, I shared my concerns with my good friend Leann who trusted my instincts. She decided that we should take our children to lunch at McDonald's near my house. She did this so our children could play at the indoor playground while I ran to my house to make some phone calls to try to reach SS.

I called SS's immediate supervisor who assured me that SS was fine, but he was still in a meeting. Red flags began to fly!!! Something was wrong - very, very wrong. It was lunch time on a Friday afternoon and the chances of a "regular" meeting lasting this long were slim to none.

Several hours later, I finally got a call from SS. My instructions were to get him an attorney NOW! He wasn't exactly sure what was going on, but he was being falsely accused of something because of his friendship with a co-worker who had been videotaped engaging in some questionable behavior.

As you can imagine, my heart dropped and I wanted to throw up! Instead, I prayed, called an attorney, and then called my parents to ask them to come get Tanner and Faith Wrenn. I spent that night alone, journaling, crying out to God, and gaining strength from Him. SS spent the night in jail.

Today, February 28, 2009, is 6 years later. SS and I spent the day together at a marriage conference hosted by Focus on the Family. We heard some incredible speakers and learned some "meaty" truths from God's Word. Honestly, SS and I were deeply touched and cried several times as the Holy Spirit moved us. (Don't tell him I told you that!) I know I'm writing the great American novel, but I have to share some of the things that we heard today. Gary Thomas, the author of "Sacred Marriage," said God designed marriage to make us holy, more so than to make us happy. He said it's not about the "how to" but it's about the "HEART to." He also said that marriage becomes the best way for us to worship God. We must love each other out of reverence to God.

Beth Moore said over and over and over again...FIGHT FOR YOUR MARRIAGE!!! A good fight is a fight FOR your marriage, not with your spouse. She said a lot of powerful things, especially to the wives. But, the last thing she said keeps playing over in my mind. Her husband had made a comment about what his life may have been like if a certain event had not happened when he was a young child. Then Beth said that God spoke these words through her to her husband... You are a much neater person healed than you would have been just being well. Being a miracle gives people hope! WOW!!! How profound!!!

Del Tackett - Ephesians 5 - Wives submit to your husbands - Submission is an attribute or characteristic of God. It is His nature and we are called to be like Him! What a privilege we wives have, despite what the world would have us believe.

Gary Smalley was hilarious. He said the quality of our lives depend on our relationship with God. When we try to change our spouse to improve our quality of life, we are saying that Jesus Christ is not enough. Also, when people say things like "I don't love my spouse anymore" or "I'm not in love with my spouse anymore," they never had God's love in the first place because God's love NEVER ends, etc. (See 1 Corinthians 13.)

Lastly, John Trent talked about making small changes to impact big problems. He refers to this as the 2 degree difference. I would recommend visiting his website at http://www.strongfamilies.com/ for more details. He also told us to start blessing our spouses.

Speaking of marriage, SS and I both agree that if the events that began 6 years ago today had not happened, then we most likely would not be married today. SS will readily tell you that 6 years ago, his 1st, 2nd, & 3rd priority was his job; it was his mistress. He viewed his role in the family as strictly being the provider. He worked so much extra duty that the kids and I rarely saw him.

But God changed all of that. Not in a way that we would have chosen, but in a way that was very necessary. And looking back, I wouldn't change a thing.

The first Scripture that God gave me when all of this started was James 1:2-4 "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." (Did I mention that I had been praying for joy before all of this started??!!!)

I will share more details of our story as God leads. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.

Being a Good Steward

"Wrennie Wednesday"

"He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin." Proverbs 13:3

In November 2008, all 2nd graders in our school district were tested for the gifted and talented (MERIT) program for next year. We got the results on Friday, and Faith Wrenn has qualified for MERIT! Good job, Wrennie!!! I am proud of you for working hard in school!

It is my prayer that MERIT will challenge Faith Wrenn and provide an outlet for her creativity and hands-on learning style.

God has called each of us to be good stewards of what He has given to us. Very often, we just think about this in terms of money and material possessions. But, we should honor Him with EVERYTHING He has entrusted to us, including our time, talents, abilities, etc. Oh, how I pray that Faith Wrenn will learn this and live this for God's glory - sooner rather than later!

God has incredible plans for you, Faith Wrenn Swicegood (Jeremiah 29:11)!!! Just trust Him and follow Him - no matter what!

In the Spotlight

"T-Man Tuesday"

"The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit." Proverbs 15:4

Tanner was recognized in his school newsletter this month and I quote....

"Congratulations to our 'Team 6-1 Writer of the Quarter' Tanner Swicegood. Check out his clever 'Now Hiring' poster with job descriptions for water molecules. It's proudly displayed next to Mrs. Parkers'' science room. Great job, Tanner!"

I am proud of Tanner for being so brave as he ventured to a new school this year. I am proud of him for trying new things such as playing basketball in a different league. I am proud of him for reading the chronological Bible with me and having some in-depth discussions (we just read about Lot and his family - interesting, very interesting!) But, I am most proud of Tanner for just being Tanner!!! I love you, T-Man!!!

To tell the truth, the whole truth...

"My Man Monday"

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." Ephesians 4:29

My husband is a very straightforward, honest man. He will tell you the truth, as brutal as it may be at times. If you don't want an honest answer, then don't ask him. Obviously, the one thing he despises is lying. He has zero tolerance for it.

When I first met Shawn 18 years ago, it was his honesty that first caught my attention. God is simply amazing, isn't He? He puts the girl with major trust issues with the brutally honest guy!!!

Interestingly, it was Shawn's honesty that led us on one of the most challenging journeys of our marriage thus far. But, Shawn stood firm in his faith and in his conviction, and we stood together. And God used the situation to draw us closer to Him and to each other. God also used it to bring us back to "Nineveh." (God just reminded me that the anniversary date for all of this is in a few days!!! I will post more about it this weekend.)

***My daily Bible verse for today was..."Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth." John 17:17

The Family Edition

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." Ephesians 4:29

I am a little behind in my blogging for the week, so I decided to do a family edition to cover everyone at the same time. On Monday, we went skiing with the youth group at our church. Tanner and Faith Wrenn had never been snow skiing before. Fortunately, our youth minister requires anyone who has not skied at least twice to take lessons. What a wise man!

The last time I went skiing was almost 15 years ago on my honeymoon. Shawn and I skied the Matterhorn in Switzerland - you know, when we were just a little younger. Shawn has been skiing a time or two since we've been married, but it has still been 8 or 9 years ago. We were feeling brave.

One thing I noticed was how skiing brought out our different personalities. Shawn was patient and hung out with me on the easy slopes during the morning. Then, after lunch, his adventurous side took over, and he went with some of the other dads to the more difficult slopes.

Tanner did well with his lessons and learned the basics. He then proceeded with caution and stayed in the beginners' area to get lots of practice. He wasn't feeling 100% but that didn't stop him from skiing. WAY TO GO T-MAN!!!

Faith Wrenn completed her lessons, practiced, and then took off to the regular slopes without a second thought. When she got off the ski lift, she was GONE down the mountain! Did I mention she learned to ski without poles??!!!

As for me, my least favorite part of skiing is getting off the ski lift. I have a tendency to fall, and then be in other people's way. My spiritual gift of mercy has me concerned about others even when I'm about to break my own neck!!! This has to be the Holy Spirit! lol

Anyway, some things never change, even after 15 years - I'm a creature of habit! The first lift Shawn and I got on actually went to the top of the mountain, but it had a place for "beginners" to exit along the way. Unfortunately, this exit consisted of a steep hill, a wall, and me on my backside! But, don't worry, the nice gentleman who was working the ski lift drug me out of the way before anyone else fell too! I found a different ski lift after that. I must mention that my husband didn't even laugh at me (at least where I could hear him!) Thanks honey!!!

These first 3 pictures are from our honeymoon 15 years ago. In Switzerland, we took a tram up the mountain, not a ski lift!!! 11/94

Shawn at the Matterhorn in the clouds 11/94

Me (Nancy) getting ready to ski the Matterhorn 11/94

Shawn and I at Sugar Mountain, NC 2/16/09

Tanner practicing his new skills

Tanner learning how to stop the old fashion way

Tanner skied from the top of the beginners' slope to the bottom without stopping

Faith Wrenn skiing down the beginners' slope - "Look Mom! No poles!"

Faith Wrenn skiing down the regular slope

Shawn and Faith Wrenn at the bottom of the slope


Your mama might be a redneck resourceful if she uses duct tape to patch up a hole in your ski bib!!!

P.S. I did see another girl about Faith Wrenn's age wearing a hot pink ski bib accessorized with a little duct tape down the seam of her leg! Another resourceful mama in town!

Hands On

"Wrennie Wednesday"

"He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin." Proverbs 13:3

Faith Wrenn is quite creative and definitely a "hands on" young lady. She enjoys touching EVERYTHING and then covering herself with it, if possible. SEE WHAT I MEAN.....

Bubbles, bubbles, and more bubbles

A little bling, bling and a cool hat go a long way - fashion school, here I come!

Got mud??!!!


Who needs hairspray?
This started out as a fun way to practice her spelling words by writing them in shaving cream. What we ended up with was Faith Wrenn literally covered from head to toe in shaving cream - clothes and all!

God has unique plans for this creative mind and these touchy, feely hands.

Being Jesus

"T-Man Tuesday"

"The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit." Proverbs 15:4

Tanner has a project in Social Studies this week in which he gets to dress up like an important ancient Greek or Roman person. He chose Jesus. Contrary to popular belief, Jesus will be in public school this week (lol!) Here are a few pictures:

Getting this white robe was an answered prayer. The alternative was for me to make one out of a sheet. And given that I don't sew, who knows what Tanner would have ended up with! Thankfully, we will never know. My mom, not wanting Tanner to be embarrassed by my lack of fashion design skills, called the children's minister at her church. Mrs. P started digging through their children's costumes and found this perfect match for Tanner and willingly let us borrow it.


Check out the Jesus hair! Getting this wig was a blessing. At church on Sunday morning, one of the teachers, Mr. M, was dressed up to do a skit for the children's program.. When I dropped Faith Wrenn off, I saw Mr. M out of the corner of my eye and had to look directly at him to figure out who he was. The 1st thing I noticed was the Jesus hair. Mr. M graciously let us borrow the wig this week.

Tanner will be sharing the Gospel with his entire class! I'm praying for seeds to be planted, watered, and harvested.

Timeout

"My Man Monday"

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." Ephesians 4:29

I mentioned a few days ago that we have been very busy and that I have been feeling overwhelmed. To help, my husband gave me some time to myself right here at home last week. One night, he rented a fun movie for the kids, and they watched it together. Then, on Friday AND Saturday night he came home after working all day and cooked dinner! WOW! Thanks, honey!

I am very thankful for this time to myself, but even more so for my husband's thoughtfulness and selflessness. Tag - I'm it, huh??!!!

He shoots; He scores!!!

Well, the laundry is underway and the kids are fed so I thought I would post about our morning before I tackled the dust that has accumulated in the corners of the hardwood floors.

Tanner had a basketball game bright and early this morning. For the past 4 years, Tanner has played basketball in the Upward Christian league at my mom's church. But, this year God impressed upon us to sign him up at our local recreation center - since we are learning to get out of our Christian comfort zone and meet new people in our community.

Our rec center is small and doesn't have a website yet where you can get registration information, etc. on all of the activities that they offer. So, I had to physically go to the center and get the information. When I got there, I learned that the original deadline to sign up for BBall had already passed. However, the deadline had been EXTENDED for 3 more days! God was providing the way so we could be obedient.

Then, the rec center decided that the younger children would use the gym at the center for their games. The older children, Tanner's age, would play at a brand new gym at a CHURCH close to our house! Although Tanner is not playing in a church league, he is still playing in God's house! Once again, this is an example of God's provision.

Tanner in position during a foul shot

His #1 fan

Tanner scores his first points of the season today!!!

Tanner plays defense very well and usually passes the ball to a teammate on offense. But today, he was in the right place at the right time and SCORED! The best part was that EVERYONE in the gym cheered for him when it happened, even folks from the other team. They were pulling for him because they know he doesn't usually score. It brought tears to my eyes!!! I'm actually tearing up again typing about it. WAY TO GO T-MAN!!!!!

You know you are TOO BUSY when...

1) your 7 year old daughter says, "Mom, you might want to consider tackling these clothes sometime soon!!!" And this is only one of the three dirty clothes baskets/hampers that we use!

2) that same 7 year old daughter says, "Mom, are we going to be in a hurry today??!!!"

3) you go to Wal-Mart (or the grocery store of your choice) 6 times in one week because you didn't have a weekly dinner menu prepared in advanced! (Fortunately, I drive past Wal-Mart at least twice a day during my normal route.)

4) over the past 2 weeks, you have several posts you wanted to put on your blog but didn't get a chance to - instead you posted 4 entries and 19 pictures all at one time!

I can't really explain why we have been so busy except to say that life happens. A very wise friend told me one time that BUSY means "Being Under Satan's Yoke." When we are so preoccupied with daily tasks that we can't think straight, we are certainly not thinking about God and His will. I tend to become so focused on my "To Do" list as a means of survival that I miss out on the opportunities that God gives me to reach out to others, to laugh, to enjoy the moment, to relax, etc.

So tonight I'm staying up late to do what I have wanted to do for the past 2 weeks - post 19 pictures and blog 4 posts, even if it is all at one time! Be sure to read this post and the 3 that follow. ENJOY!

Here's Faith Wrenn helping her dad wash his new truck. "Unpictured" here is Tanner and Faith Wrenn washing my van as a surprise for me. How sweet!

The work is done and now it's time to play. Tanner and Shawn play a little one on one.
That's right, it's time to stop and shoot some B-Ball. Now go play with your children, your grandchildren, your spouse, your friends, your neighbors, or whoever else God puts in your path.

Too Busy Part 2

We came. We jumped. We laughed - A LOT!

So often, Faith Wrenn wants me to jump with her on the trampoline when it's time for me to start dinner etc. But not today. Today, we jumped until we couldn't jump anymore. Well, now that I think about it, we actually jumped until Faith Wrenn and Tanner had an argument and they both had to go inside. But still, we jumped and laughed until then.

Then I got brave and let Tanner, Faith Wrenn, and a neighbor "popcorn" me on the trampoline. I took these pictures while laying down on the trampoline with 3 kids jumping all around me.

Take time today to do something that will make you laugh!

Too Busy Part 3

This past weekend, Tanner went on his first youth retreat. We dropped him off at the church Friday night and didn't see him again until Sunday after worship. We have a fantastic youth group and the leadership is top notch. Tanner had a great time and was in need of some serious sleep when he got home!

Here's Tanner with the marshmallow sculpture the 6th grade boys made of one of their youth leadersIn Tanner's absence, Faith Wrenn decided to surprise him by putting together one of his new lego sets. She enjoys putting things together; Tanner not so much

Time to get started

636 pieces later and WAAAH LAAAH....project complete!

This reminds me of what God does with us and for us. He takes the pieces of our lives and puts them together to make us exactly who He wants us to be. Sometimes from our perspective, pieces seem to be missing or not to fit properly. Sometimes pieces fall off and have to be put back together with special care. Sometimes, we become frustrated because we can't see the big picture. But through the entire process, trusting God is what holds all the pieces together.

Too Busy Part 4

We made another firewood delivery to some folks in need of wood because they heat their homes with woodburning stoves only. My grandparents had a huge tree cut down in their yard and gave us all the wood our truck and trailer could hold. Shawn still has his grandfather's woodsplitter which made cutting the wood a lot easier. Notice who's unloading the wood....which means Faith Wrenn has the camera. Hey, that's MY job!

Taking pictures is a tough job and will wear a girl out!
And then there was the super bowl...we went to some friends' house who had their projector system hooked up! We thought we were sitting in the stands in Tampa.
I had Tanner and Faith Wrenn stand in front of the screen to put the size of it in perspective

And just when I thought I was making real progress with my "To Do" list and starting to regain my sanity again, I was handed this...

Every Thursday morning, I go to Faith Wrenn's school and make photocopies for all 6 of the 2nd grade classes, BEFORE I go to work. I really enjoy volunteering. Last semester, I was able to help out a lot because I wasn't working. Now, it's tax season and back to work for me. Anyway, yesterday Faith Wrenn's teacher told me she had a project for me - copying the 19 books found in these notebooks for all 6 teachers!!! One down and 18 more to go!

Did I mention I only have an hour each Thursday morning to do this??!!! I am very much a task oriented person who needs to get things done so they don't hang over me. I have already been trying to find a block of time to go to the school to work on this. You know, some time when I can get in the building, not have children with me, that doesn't interfere with my job, dinner, or homework time. I need a secretary to do this scheduling!

So, if I don't post again (other than my weekly family posts) for another few weeks, you'll know why. Oh, did I mention that the size of the pages in the books are slightly larger than 8 1/2 x 11 which requires me to work hard at not cutting off any words. They also must be double-sided. You know what happens. One side prints correctly, but the other side messes up. Then both pages have to be copied AGAIN!

God is going to use this project for His glory though. He's going to have me in the workroom exactly when He needs me to be there to talk with a teacher, staff member, parent, etc. Again, it all goes back to trust, and I'm trusting God with the details of this project, with my schedule, and with my sanity!

Almost Wordless Wrennie Wednesday

Faith Wrenn just puts a big ole smile on my face!!! Enough said.

Here a book; There a book......

"T-Man Tuesday"

"The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit." Proverbs 15:4

Tonight, we went out to eat with family to celebrate my cousin's 18th birthday. It took us about 30 minutes to get to the restaurant and then 30+ minutes to get home. On the way there, Tanner read the new book he checked out from his school library today.

On the way home, he read the OTHER book he checked out today because he had finished the first one! WAY TO GO T-MAN!!!
Tanner has always been an excellent reader, but he just hasn't liked to read until now. His new found desire for reading has been sparked primarily by his Language Arts teacher (who happened to be the vice principal at my high school 20 years ago!)

Anyway, watching Tanner read so much (and actually enjoying it) has been a blessing. It has been one of the best things about public school.

Prior to this school year, Tanner attended a small Christian school for 4 years. I know the transition hasn't been the easiest thing for Tanner (he is in middle school now!) But, I admire Tanner for trusting us (his parents) as we seek God's will regarding his education. God made it very clear that we needed to get out of our Christian comfort zone and get involved in our community - starting with the public school system.

I pray everyday for Tanner to be salt and light in his school. After all, "Nineveh" is our mission field.

Very early in the morning...

"My Man Monday"

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." Ephesians 4:29

My husband's alarm goes off promptly at 4:15 a.m. every (work) morning. But before he leaves our room, he prays with me. This morning, I snapped a quick picture of the clock when he finished praying - before I rolled over and got my snore back on!

I am so grateful for my praying husband. Praying together brings us closer to each other and closer to the Lord. It lets me know what is on Shawn's heart and what is important to him. When he prays specifically for me, it makes me feel secure and valued. I am definitely blessed!