Ramble-on

Right now I have many things to say, a few hundred opinions to express, and several photos to share. However, I am only in the mood to ramble..... hence the ramble-on. Hopefully, by the end of the ramble-on you will be up-to-date with what is going on in our lives! Enjoy!!

Christmas was great, but went a little too fast. On Christmas Eve, my family did our annual fondue and the boys opened gifts together. Grant took forever to open his presents. By the time that Ryan was finished, Grant had only opened a couple. On Christmas morning, Grant slept until 9:00 a.m., ate eggs, and took a bath.... clearly he had no idea that the living room was filled with gifts!! Once again, it took him forever to open his gifts. He was most excited to receive a guitar that I bought him with my Grandpa and Grandma Booths Christmas money. Seriously, he only needed that present. He has played with it non-stop. The guitar may drive me crazy. Brad and I are still pursuing the path that God has laid before us. Still praying that He fixes the pothole in the railroad tracks. Still praying for His strength, guidance, and patience. I was able to volunteer at the hospital for 2 evenings this month. It was nice to go back. Sad to see babies whose parents just didn't care to take care of them while they were pregnant. Brad and I went down to the preschool for their Christmas Performance. Nice to go back. Nice to enjoy the stress free night. Grant got a cat that rolls around on the ground and laughs out of control. He loves it and has carried it to church, the grocery store, etc. Grant even calls the cat to jump on his lap. And you can't carry a cat without a dog, so he now carries a dog....with the cat. I can't believe that he is going to be 2 soon!!! It is a little sad. However, I can't complain. He is smart, funny, mouthy..... everything a soon to be 2 year old should be! I started using Restasis about a month ago. Terrible for the pocket book, wonderful for my eyes. And no, I have not turned into the actress on the commercial, in case you were concerned. Alisha bought Grant a ball-pit blow-up car for Christmas. Wonderful for Grant, terrible for Mommy. There are plastic balls all over the house! In the bathroom, under furniture....thanks Alisha! My stomach has healed from surgery. I now know which foods to eat.... and which ones to run from! It does stink to always have to watch what you eat. The mail just went by. "Eat Pray Love" was a bit strange...and long. Grant painted Christmas bulbs. He tried so hard not to eat the acrylic paint. Joel and Jessica met us for lunch last week. It was nice to see our "once a year" friends. Brad has been working extra in the evenings and tonight he will be gone to do some work for a friend. Our Christmas tree is naked, sitting outside of the garage. Brad confessed that he didn't water it often, therefore it lived a short life. Thankfully the tree made it through Christmas...just a little picky. Well, I should wrap this ramble-on up. Alisha's dog is cuddled with me. I don't like her. We miss 2 special people. Grant is playing with play-doh. Greg and Aaron wrote a poem about Grant. We are headed to Indiana to celebrate Christmas with Brad's family. I can't stop eating the cake balls that my mom made. I need some diet coke. Have a great day!

All Things Are Possible,

Stephanie Miller

Music To My Ears

When I was younger my parents did not allow us to listen to "non-Christian" music. Seriously, I thought that the "New Kids on the Block" were really new kids on the block. I actually asked my friend where in the neighborhood "these" kids lived.

I would say that my parents, mostly my dad, were a bit overboard with the whole music thing. I remember winning a giant New Kids on the Block button in school....you guessed it....to my, not so surprise, surprise..... I could not keep the button.

One year my parents bought us portable tape players for Christmas. I was in 3rd grade and these were the bomb-diggity. Mine was light purple and had an awesome strap, hence the portability. On that morning I was in my room listening to the radio. I never listened to the radio and had no clue what type or kind of music was playing. I just knew that I was listening to the radio. My dad soon entered my room and told me that if he ever heard "that" kind of music again, he would take the radio out of the tape player. Was it even possible? I don't know, but I believed him. He then informed me of this "awesome" radio station that played "awesome" Christian music..... 99.7 Family Life Radio............ (just what an 8 year old wanted to hear....)

Needless to say I carried my purple, now only playing Christian music on the radio, tape player around for the ENTIRE day....waiting for music. Not just awesome music..... just SOME KIND of music. I played with new toys, cleaned the bathroom, etc., all while waiting for SOMETHING (else) to come from those speakers. Yeah, there sure was a theme to this radio station - talking. What 3rd grader wants to listen to Christian music, let alone listen to some guy in his 40's talk....non-stop.....all day......

As the years went on I learned how to "sneak listen" to the music that I wanted to hear. I didn't listen to bad music, however, to my parents, any non-Christian music was bad music.

I knew that I had to listen to "positive hits" when I was home, in the car, and anytime I was around my parents. In high school I even joined a CD club and ordered my choice of music. Do they even have those clubs anymore???

Years later, I STILL listen to Christian music. In fact, it is my choice of music. Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy non-Christian music, but prefer Christian music most of the time.

When I worked at the preschool I had a 45 minute drive - one way. If the roads were snowy it could easily take me well...well over an hour to get to school or home.

(I remember one time specifically, there was a snow storm that had started around 10:00 a.m. and I was scheduled to close at 6:00 p.m. that night. Needless to say, I left the school at 8:00 p.m. and got home at 10:00 p.m........ ONLY to turn around and open the school at 7:00 a.m the next day..... WOW....so glad I got out!!!)

I spent a lot of time in the car....rain or shine....sleet or hail... most of the time listening to Christian radio stations. I began to really enjoy the music, as many of the lyrics spoke directly to my heart.

Now that I am not working and with Grant all day, I listen to DVD's in the van. I have to make a point to change the radio over when he is not in the van with me - which is not often. I must say that I miss listening to "positive hits" for an hour and a half each day. I do listen online, however it is not as often as I would like.

(This is where must I shamefully admit that I have also enjoyed SOME talk radio...... )

I would say that there are approximately 4,522 songs that I could talk about......4,522 songs that have spoken to me in one way, shape or form. (Okay, not that many....I can't lie while discussing the importance of Christian music......)

One song that has spoken to me.....over and over is "Voice of Truth" by Casting Crowns. Yes, I know that it is an old song...... some may believe that it is overplayed.... I remember when the movie "Facing the Giants" was released and EVERY church on the block was playing the movie during "Friday night family nights" .... yeah I know.

Okay, past the movie... here at the lyrics....

Oh,what I would do to have
the kind of faith it takes
To climb out of this boat I'm in
Onto the crashing waves
To step out of my comfort zone
Into the realm of the unknown
Where Jesus is,
And he's holding out his hand

But the waves are calling out my name
and they laugh at me
Reminding me of all the times
I've tried before and failed
The waves they keep on telling me
time and time again
"Boy, you'll never win,
You you'll never win

But the Voice of truth tells me a different story
the Voice of truth says "do not be afraid!"
and the Voice of truth says "this is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the Voice of truth

Oh, what I would do
to have the kind of strength it takes
To stand before a giant
with just a sling and a stone
Surrounded by the sound
of a thousand warriors
shaking in their armor
Wishing they'd have had the strength to stand

But the giant's calling out
my name and he laughs at me
Reminding me of all the times
I've tried before and failed
The giant keeps on telling me
time and time again
"Boy you'll never win,
you'll never win."

But the voice of truth tells me a different story
the Voice of truth says "do not be afraid!"
and the Voice of truth says "this is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the Voice of truth

But the stone was just the right size
to put the giant on the ground
and the waves they don't seem so high
from on top of them looking down
I will soar with the wings of eagles
when I stop and listen to the sound of Jesus
singing over me

But the Voice of truth tells me a different story
The Voice of truth says "do not be afraid!"
And the Voice of truth says "this is for my glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me (calling out to me)
I will choose to listen and believe (I will choose to listen and believe)
I will choose to listen and believe the Voice of truth

I will listen and believe
I will listen and believe the Voice of truth
I will listen and believe
'Cause Jesus you are the Voice of truth
And I will listen to you.. oh you are the Voice of truth

(Lyrics from: http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/voice-of-truth-lyrics-casting-crowns/c476d6c52be8e8c048256e9c000db7a4)

This song is so encouraging and beautifully written. I could ramble on and on about this song and how it pertains to my life, but I will spare you.

I'm way over due to hit the "publish post" button.... and I know that this song pertains to many lives. The "crashing waves" don't have to be huge and you do not have to be walking through something "gi - normas." I believe that Christians face giants each and everyday. This song specifically, encourages me to stay strong - no matter the situation.

In closing, if you do not listen to Christian music, I would encourage you to do so. I can't believe how the music can lift spirits and change attitudes.

Yes, I know that there is a lot of talking....and advertising....and fundraising......on these stations, however if you can get past the logistics and "mum-bo jum-bo" there is amazing music and even more amazing lyrics!!!

All Things Are Possible,

Stephanie

Like Yesterday - Part Two

I remember her like it was yesterday. Her cold wrinkled hands and heart warming smile. She had a way about her.

I remember her wearing collard sweatshirts, with bears or decorative designs on them. I specifically remember her wearing a white sweatshirt. She wore cotton pants, I remember her wearing a navy blue pair often.

She moved slowly, taking in the world around her. I can still see her folded hands placed by her mouth, and I can hear her saying "praise Jesus."

She always took time for people. While in her presence, we would play games, pick berries, or read stories.

In spirit she prayed, for everyone that she knew, by name. She prayed out loud, in a soft, quiet voice.

She lived a life of purpose. She knew when to have fun and she knew when it was time to be serious. She knew how to love, care, and serve.

She was also a very smart woman, who knew that people were watching. As a child and young adult I watched her. I watched the way she treated people and the way she carried herself. More importantly, I watched how she followed Christ.

I'm sure that she has had a ball in Heaven. I'm sure that she is still smiling, laughing, and folding her hands.

I just wonder, does Jesus spread His cards out, while they play Uno at HIS table??

All Thins Are Possible,

Stephanie

Like Yesterday

I remember it like it was just yesterday. Walking up the sidewalk and into the utility room. The room was white, a washer and dryer was to the right, and a wood burning stove kept the room warm.

Down the hall was the bathroom. It was small and I remember the color red and a lot of doilies. During the Christmas Season, a manger sat on a shelf in the hallway. This manger had real hay and a red bulb shined over the animals.

The kitchen was also small, but always had room for laughs and Uno games. Instead of holding my cards in my hand, I always laid them on the round, brown table. During the game I would snack on Neapolitan Ice cream and drink Fay-go from a cold, tin cup. I always sat by the window, on a pale yellow chair, next to the phone hanging on the wall.

We gathered in the large, dark dinning room and ate Mexican food. The table was also large and seemed to take up the entire room. A terrarium sat in the corner of the room, housing fake plants and a painted river. One Halloween we went trick or treating and I remember eating an oatmeal pie cookie in that room.

The sound of Jeopardy echoed the mirrored wall, as I sat in the brown recliner. I didn't enjoy watching jeopardy, but I enjoyed being in the living room. Through the pictured window I watched the cars on the busy street and through the wall or mirrors I watched her. I would get restless and escape to warm up by the wood burning stove.

Outside I would run and swing on the rusty clothes line, as clothes pins fell from their cloth bag. We always played croquet.

I remember being in her house like it was yesterday. I remember the colors, sounds, and smells from the small, white house.

I remember the Uno games, ice cream, tin cups, plastic ice cubes, Jeopardy, wood burning stove, storage shed, wall of mirrors, and Christmas Manger like it was yesterday.

More importantly, I remember her like it was yesterday.......

To be continued.....

All Things Are Possible,
Stephanie

Advent Conspiracy. Enter The Story.

Pothole In The Railroad Tracks

The other day my mom and I were driving the down the road. Just as I crossed a railroad track I yelled "pothole in the railroad tracks!" I tried to slow down, but it was too late. As I crossed the tracks I braced myself for the pothole.

To my surprise there was not a pothole in the tracks. As I braced for the pothole, my van just bumped across the, known to everyone in the area as horrible, train tracks.

I usually slow down for these tracks because they are so bumpy. I don't remember a time in my life that they were not terrible. And when I say "terrible" I mean, its not uncommon to see car parts scattered on the tracks. These tracks are bad. So bad that they are ingrained in my memory. Like the day Alisha was born, or the Christmas that I got a Nintendo, and....yep.....the train tracks on Belsay Road.

This trip, however, I thought that I had prepared for the worst. I had slowed down as usual, but didn't remember about the pothole until I crossed the tracks. As I crossed I braced myself. I knew that I was not going slow enough to avoid car parts falling to the ground, as I slammed the pothole.

To my surprise the pothole was gone. It had been fixed. I couldn't believe it because the pothole was there a week prior...I remembered it quite well.

For the first time...ever....the railroad tracks didn't seem that bad. Remember their poor quality had been ingrained in my memory....ranked right up there with.....you know.....Alisha's birth and Christmas.......(un-bunch the britches, I'm being dramatic).

The railroad tracks didn't seem as bad as usual because I had expected worse.....I had expected car parts flying....I had expected tires rolling......

Currently, I feel like I'm crossing terrible train tracks. I keep bracing myself for the worst. I'm actually not sure whether or not I have even began to cross the tracks. I'm ready for the tracks because I'm used to them. I have crossed them before. I am used to allowing God to lead my life. Those specific situations are also ingrained in my memory.

There have been many times in my life that I have followed God and His will for my life. There have been times that the outcome was clear and following Him was easy, and then there have been times that His will didn't make sense.

Although I have crossed these tracks before, allowing God to lead my life, I'm more nervous than ever. I keep telling myself that I don't have to take this path...I don't have to choose to cross the tracks......

However, I then feel God telling me that this is the path He has laid for me and for my family. He reminds me that the tracks may be rough, but that He has a plan and a purpose.

As Brad and I choose to follow God's will, we also choose to cross the tracks. Although it seems like the path may be rough, we pray that it will not be as expected. We pray that in the end the tracks were not as bad as they once appeared. We also look forward to the other side of the track.... of course the less bumpy pavement, but more importantly, knowing that we followed Him. The greatest reward in choosing the bumpy road is knowing that God is in control and will lead us through the entire path.....start to finish.

So we brace ourselves, choose to follow Him, and pray for strength. The path seems rough and bumpy, but we serve an Almighty God!!

Well, I just covered the railroad tracks...... Let's just pray that God will repair the pothole in the middle......

All Things Are Possible,

Stephanie