I Choose JOY January 2014

3. Claira realized that she needs to reach out to the girls in her church small group. Instead of having the attitude, "they are too worldly for me", she wants to develop relationship with them and help them with their struggles. GRACE

I have recently  been introduce to this amazing blog that has inspired me to start counting my joys! The Most Important skill-that-your-2014-really-needs blog post inspired me in realizing Jesus' GRACE over me even more!

JT showed Claira GRACE when he saw her using his computer w/O asking permission. He kindly asked if she would ask permission in the future. 

4. Something old, something new, something blue. 

Mrs. Jean and her husband Ira were such special people in my life. They always invited us over to enjoy time with their Grandaughters and Enchiladas.  Not long ago Claira captured this wonderful picture of Mrs. Jean, now, when we had a special girls lunch at my Mom's house. 

With Christmas money from my in laws I perchased new boots, which I love, and then my mother in law, Denni took me on  a special shopping trip for jeans. My most dreaded shopping item. Thanks to her wisdom I am now the proud owner of jeans that fit great and look amazing. The best part, she bought them for me. So unexpected and so kind!! 

Blue Willow with a surprise heart when I picked up my cup of tea. Yes, I'm LOVED! Or maybe it was a reminder to love. 

5. 

My Sunday afternoon read. We start back to homeschool tomorrow after an amazing Christmas break! Time to put the teacher hat on. "Lord, I need you, as always!"

Things to see....Season 4 Downton Abbey watch party begins tonight!  

6.

Phil 4:6-8

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. 

8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. 9 Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you. 

7. Graces others give me:

Jay prayes God's grace over me very day befor he leaves for work. I am a very blessed woman to be married to this godly man! 

My friend Callie is gracious by inviting Claira  to join her for thier "old lady" painting class every other Thursday. 

Angela is gracious to forgive me, Rebecca is gracious to let me vent, and Rachel is gracious by always hearing me, really hearing me. 

9. Gift Held

Sat with JT & Claira at lunch, laughing and sharing stories with one another. What amazing children The Lord has gifted me, each fitted for thier unique purpos.

Gifts walked by: the beautiful flowers I saw at Wilson Park this summer.

12. Beside:

Below: spent this beautiful Sunday on the Crystal Bridges Trail. 

14. Startling Graces of God:

Romans 3:19-22 God knew that I would never be able to do all that is expected of me by the standards of the law so he sent Jeaus so that I would be blameless of my sins. I don't understand it, but I  so thankful for it. I need to reflect more on the completeness of Christ instead of the incompleteness of me. 

23. Three Gifts found in Christ: Romans 5: 1-3

       1-Faith in Christ = Peace

       2-Faith in Christ = Highest Privilege, Confidence and Joy looking forward to sharing God's glory. 

       3-Faith in Christ = Confidence in Salvation, Endurance and Strength during problems and trials.      

          Strengthened Character 

27. Three Gifts found in the Kitchen:

 

Road Trip

Claira and had so much fun in June seeing the Morton's. This was our third time to visit Bartlesville and we loved it!!! 

Crazy Claira loved our upside down photo. I love that she always makes life interesting. I  so "in the box" she is so NOT! The Lord knew I needed her to makeup life so much more fun!! 

Rebecca's mom, Karen was also visiting with her incredible embroidery machine. For my birthday Rebecca had me pick out the designs and fabric I wanted on my very own tea towels. Two days of crafting with two great women was so much fun! 

I ended up saying bye to my best friend and my little girl. Yes, Claira stayed for another week! So, I headed home through Tulsa, for whatever reason I loved the look of these overpasses. 

When I got to the towers I started missing Claira like crazy. When we get to this point she always says, "Yay! We are almost there!!!

Over the next week Claira enjoyed being apart of the Morton Family aka Morton Camp and we realized how quiet our house is without Claira. And, none of us liked it, even JT. 

So glad you came home to us Claira!! 

Lake Wedington Hike 2013

Jay made my day!!! A few Sunday's ago we got home from church and he said, "Everyone, throw on some hiking clothes, we are taking Mom on a hike today!" It was so much fun. We drove through  Mickey D's and grabbed some lunch. (we never get McDonald's, so JT and Claira were thrilled!) The hike around Lake Wedington was beautiful and my love tank was so full I couldn't hardly breath!

Happy Easter, let's go bowling?! 2013

Since the fire we have chosen to go on outings to celebrate everything. It has actually been really fun! Who needs to hunt Easter Eggs when you can go bowling.

 

Claira & Nonna

 Aunt Christ with Lila & Madilyn

Aunt Lor & Coley. Uncle Nathan was there too, but for some reason I don't have a picture of him.

 

Aunt Debbie, Lila and Uncle Mark

Cody needing a little help!

 

Cody, Coley & JT

Claira & Poppa

 Claira you're glowing!

Little ones playing under the table.

 Me & Jay

Did I fail to mention...we also celebrated Lila' 5th Birthday!

Who knows, we may have just started a new family tradition.

Technology...how do they do that?

The TV below was given to us by Levi. When we got it we were pleased with a bigger screen, but the depth was at least 3 1/2 feet! He gave it to us when we moved in to the apartment during the "down sizing" time of our life. So, here we are in  an apartment and the only place the TV could go was in the only corner the living room offered.  We often joked that we had a 50" TV, Fifty inches DEEP! HA!

The day came when Jay decided to take the plunge and purchase the "dream" TV. He was so excited to see his movies in HD and I couldn't wait to re-arrange the living room! It was a win/win. Although, I am still trying to figure out how that have put 3 1/2 feet of stuff in FIVE inches (yes, 5, I measured)!

Snow Day! 2013

JT, the diligent student.

Mom, the cookie maker.

Dad, the pipe smoker/ thinker. (Hemingway, wine, and cheese)

Claira, the adventurous spirit!

Whoo Hoo! Jay is Graduating!

Well, the time has come, I am proud to say that  4:30 mornings and 9:30 pm study sessions are behind us, for now! We couldn't have made it the past 18 month without God. He was our strength, edurance and peace.  I am very proud of your hard work and dedication, Honey.

You have worn many hats while in nursing school yet, you continued to score very well on all of your

tests, make time for me and the kids, plus mentor teens! I am so proud of you my husband and best friend for working hard and not giving up in the tough times. 

Notes from some friends & family:

So proud!  So proud!
Blessings,
Andrea
Jay and Melissa- congrats on the accomplishment. We know you both have sacrificed so much and God (plus us) is/are proud of all you guys have done. We pray that your trip to Africa will be productive and special! Sorry we won't be there to see your pinning but we will be with you in spirit!
Love,
Gerald and Lori

Way to Go Jay!!!  

Congrats!
Rohnda

So exciting!  Can't believe that this day is finally here.  I feel like time flew by even though it felt like it never would.  We are very proud of Jay too!  That is also a good picture of Jay.  :)  Nurse Jay, ya look sharp in your scrubs!  I like to be at monumental events, but we are actually leaving for Florida that evening.  Corey will be around still.... he's flying out the next day I think... so he might get to be there!  I am celebrating in spirit though!
Callie


Yes!!!!  We are sooo happy and proud of you!!
 LOVe YOU,
Kevin and Penny

Woopie Jay, congratulations. I am so proud of you. I know it has been very hard for you and Melissa but as the bible says I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. God bless you and continue to follow His leadership and He will never forsake you or lead you astray. 
Love ya Grandma

I am very proud of his accomplishments and your continued ongoing support and encouragement that has been given him! You both make me proud!!! It actually brings tears of joy to my eyes. You guys were made for each other!! 
Love,
Dad/James

NICE!!!! Good pic too! 
Congrats!
Micheal Gaddy

Well, you have every right to be proud...we're very proud too and plan to be there for both ceremonies.  But I'm not at all surprised at how Jay has excelled, impressed and impacted.  He has always thrown his whole being into whatever he's attempted...and I wouldn't have it any other way! 
Love, Mom/Connie

Very proud of both of you.  I know it was a team effort.  Way to go Jay!!!!!!

Larry 

Congrats!!!!
Mark Greenway

Wow!!  Whoo hoo! I hope to be there!!  Praise God!!
 Keith

He has Risen! He has risen, INDEED!

On Saturday I was reminiscing the Easters from my childhood. I remember how excited I was to wake up on Easter morning, put on my beautiful custom dress made by my talented mother that had been taunting me all week long. Then I would go outside to  have a  picture taken with my siblings and then head off to church where we would chant the phrase. The pastor would passionately say, "HE HAS RISEN!" and we would all chant back, "He has risen, INDEED!"

Throughout my childhood  I may have experienced Easter in several different churches but, there were still many things that stayed the same. I still woke up to my hand made dress, had my picture taken with my brother and sister, and then went to church where we would all chant, "He has risen, INDEED!"

What does this mean? This is what I kept thinking about Saturday. I was wondering, "Is it just something we say because it is the "Easter" thing to say?" As I was reflecting on  what Easter  means to me now at this point in my life I realized it is the response to this statement that I have never really taken time to understand.

Yes, Jesus has risen. But, can I say he has risen, INDEED?
in·deed

 /ɪnˈdid/ Show Spelled

adverb

in fact; in reality; in truth; truly
(used for emphasis, to confirm and amplify a previous statement, to indicate a concession or admission)
Yes! I can!
Indeed- he has healed hurts that wounded my heart deeply
Indeed- he allowed me to be raised by parents you taught me the ways of Jesus
Indeed- he showed himself to me at a young age
Indeed- he brought mentors that have shown me his truths
Indeed- he gave me a husband who loves me unconditionally because he seeks the Lord
Indeed- he comforted me when I miscarried and then blessed me with an amazing son, JT, whom I   get to show how to be a follower of Jesus
Indeed- he comforted me, again, when I miscarried and then blessed me with an amazing daughter, whom I get to show how to be a follower of Jesus
Indeed- he has brought light into the very dark places of my life
Indeed- he has showed me that my identity is in Him and not man
Indeed- he place on my heart to give up my materialism so that my time could be spent reaching out to at risk teens through Bighouse (I still struggle with materialism but God is my strength!)
Indeed- he has provided for our financial, medical, transportation, education and housing needs since we have lived on support for the last six and half years
Indeed- he has caused my heart to break because of injustice, to learn to love mercy and to strive to walk humbly with him. (Micah 6:8)
Indeed- he has given me the strength and desire to say, "I am the Lord's servant, and I am willing to accept whatever he wants. " (Luke: 1:38)

Easter Sunday, April 8, 2012. I woke up, put on a skirt that I have owned for five years, meant to take a picture of all of us but didn't because I forgot, can you imagine! We arrived at church early knowing it would be a busy Sunday. I saved four seats but I was unsure that JT would sit with us because he had spent the night before with his friend, Grady. As the music started to play I reflected on the words of the songs. Phrases like... my Redeemer Lives, Every one needs Compassion, Let Mercy Fall etc.. Hearing Claira's voice sing was like standing next to a heavenly angel. JT came and set by me. He hugged me and whispered in my ear that he loved me. When Jay was done with his ushering duties  he came and joined the rest of us.

So, here I was with my husband, who I adore, and my two incredible children, who I had prayed for, at my sides, a rare treat since they are usually in their age appropriate services, and it happened. Our pastor and dear friend, Lee, takes the stage and says passionately, "HE has RISEN!" and we all four reply, "He has risen, INDEED! For the first time in 36 years I was humbled and completely amazing at the phrase.

 Ineed, he has risen!

We are ALL on SPRING BREAK!

No school, work (except for JT), homework, small groups, meetings etc.... Just fun, relaxing family time!
We started the week of by watching a movie Sunday Night:

The Gresham's give this movie 4 thumbs up! The animation was excellent and Jay loved the "Indiana Jones" style of music.  Movies are one of the ways we love to spend time together. We are all movie lovers, so we decided that this Spring Break we would wrap up our day by watching a  movie every night! Thank you Red Box!

MONDAY:

I wasn't happy about this picture of me first thing
in the morning but it is reality of the way it is.

Jay and I slept in until 8:30! Yes, that is sleeping in considering that during a normal week we wake up between 4:30 and 5:00 depending on the day. We stared the day with our coffee time. Coffee time means that Jay sits on the couch across from me. The first cup we each read our bibles separately. The second cup we talk about the day. These are very large cups of coffee so this time can easily take up a glorious hour to hour and a half!

JT is our official researcher for
our Red Box movie selection.
I think he found a comedy!

Claira was able to play with her friends Katie Anne and Emma today. Jay worked on taxes and mailed some letters. I poured my creativity into sewing and JT did some yard work for Woodway (the apartments we live at) until the rain came.

JT learning to sharpen lawn mower blades.
Benny said he did a great job.

My three hour makeover for the living room.

Calazones for dinner! This is a family favorite. I prepare all of
the stuff and then everyone makes their own. For the recipe
follow this link:
http://myfavoritecookbook.blogspot.com/2011/06/calazone.html

We did something we NEVER do during
the school year.

Braum's Run at 8:30 pm!

Back to the house for our second movie of the week. The Gresham family gives this one 4 thumbs up! We didn't start it until 9:30 and it kept my attention. This is a big deal considering I am normally the one who falls asleep.

Day 1
of
Spring Break
2012,
SUCCESS!

It rained off and on the rest of the week so we had to do some improvising.

JT borrowed some comic books from his long time friend Grady. He was amazed that this one was written the year he was born!

Nothing like fresh baked French Bread on a drizzy (? I guess I just made that one up) day! It was so nice to have the time to bake bread! The things I use to take for granted when I was a stay-at-home-mom. Looking forward to more of this in the future!

Claira was able to spend some time with her friend Miriam who taught her how to make
duct tape headbands. Super Cute!
Claira we should "Pin This"!

Thank you Alice Walton! We are so fortunate to now live 45min. away from an incredible art museum. Alice Walton ( Walmart Walton) has brought some culture to NW Arkansas that we all didn't know we need but I think we did. We loved our day at Crystal Bridges American Art Museum. The best part, IT'S FREE! The art was amazing and the grounds were stunning. We will visit this place often.

                                                                     Captain America!

This marks the craziest thing we did all week. We went the the mid night release of the Hunger Games! Claira took a photo of her ipod right at midnight. Every theater was packed. We showed up an hour and a half early and still had to sit on the front row! Great memory!

We wrapped up our week off with a picnic at the park! The sun came out just in time for us all to go back to work and school!

Dear Spring Break,

We can't wait for next year!

Love,

The Gresham's