Running the Race

      Emalee and Levi have been getting up at 5:45 to run the past few days. Levi has been timing himself, trying to run the mile in under 6 minutes. For an 11 year-old, he is making really good time, but has not reached his goal. Emalee does pretty good, lagging just behind big brother. I have made AMPLE excuses as to why I cannot run that early, but truth be known....they are just excuses. I keep saying that I want to start running again and I believe that the Lord is using them to get me back on track!

      Many of you may find this hard to believe, but back in the day I used to run. After I had Emalee, I was running 5 miles a day, but after I found out that I was expecting Libby, well...let's just say that I was more interested in fried-green tomatoes. Before I hit the10th grade (way back in the day) and became too occupied with other things, I was CRAZY about running. I did all-around competing at the track meets, but the mile was my focus. I worked so hard to beat Adam Pirtima (the fastest in the school), but never did make a faster time than him at the mile. My dad was a runner when he was in school and he really encouraged my efforts. I used to love it when he would come to the track meets and watch me run. It was our little "thing" and it was special. He would gleam when I brought in Presidential fitness awards or ribbons/trophies. It was almost as if it was his accomplishment, too. It made me so happy to make him proud! His response pushed me to do my very best so that I could once again get that big smile of approval!

     When I think about those times, it brings such happiness. I also wonder about the accomplishments that are being made in my life today. The best thing that has ever happened to me in life was when I gave my heart and life to Christ. He changed me completely and gave me a new focus altogether. No longer was it about MY accomplishments, but rather about what HE could do through me. Over time, I have come to realize that the only accomplishments that are truly accomplishments, are the things that HE does through us. My goal in life now is not to endeavor to do MY own "things", but rather what HE wants to accomplish through me. I have come to understand that God can use anyone (I am perfect proof of that) and that all we must be is a willing vessel fit for the Master's use. We cannot make ourselves "fit" for use, but HE can accomplish this through us when we give ourselves wholly to Him. Just as my daddy would gleam with approval, my Heavenly Father does the same (even though He did the work) and then He will turn around and reward me for His accomplishments...What a loving Savior!

     There are a couple of verses that I believe every Christian should put to memory..."Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all we ask or think, ACCORDING TO THE POWER THAT WORKETH IN US, unto HIM be glory!"
and Gal. 2:20"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; YET NOT I, but CHRIST that liveth in me" (and through me)

     So, as I get out of bed tomorrow and try to run around the perimeter of the property with the children, I hope that I will remember to run my race for HIM. Oh, and I hope that I have enough breath to share these thoughts with Emalee and Levi as we run together. We are carrying on the running family tradition, but with a dual-focus!!
Run with patience the race that is set before you!
God Bless.

Legologist

     As I was busy working on alterations to costumes for the school play, Levi was equally as busy at his lil' table. Levi is very talented when it comes to any type of building or art type projects. As we were both working, he was sharing with me about how God had revealed some things to him in the scriptures this week. He said that he asked his teacher if he could share with the class what God had been showing him. Unfortunately, it did not work out today for him to expound the scriptures, due to tight scheduling in the last week of school, but I guess he needed to get it off his heart. He began to share with me about Phil. 4:13. I listened as he explained why we can do all things through Christ which strengthens us. He was simultaneously finishing up his project that he had been working on (which was an amazing fighter plane built of Lego's) at his desk. In conclusion to his 5 minute message, he held up his creation and said, "You see mama, I could never have built this masterpiece if God had not given me the strength and knowledge to know how to assemble it"...I shook my head vigorously and said, Amen...you are right! I had done really well to stay serious through it all. Finally, he concluded with, "And you know mama, I feel that God may even allow me to one day do what I love for a living"... I said, "Oh, and what might that be?"... (thinking that he was getting ready to announce his call to preach)...He replied..."A Legologist"... I asked him where Legologist work and he told me that they work at Lego Land theme park or the Lego factories. I am just thinking that it will be so much fun to bring this archive up one day when he is grown.
 Oh, what joy children bring!!!

week of May 23, 2011

     It has been a great day and a hot one! We are really in dire need of rain at this time. Our corn is beginning to twist in the field and we are working hard to keep everything watered. I know many farmers must be praying hard as well. It looks like a dust bowl moving across the field when they are working. I heard a bit of rumbling this afternoon and thought that we may get our prayers answered today, but no rain as of yet.

     The children are so anxious for school to finally be out for the summer. Levi decided to do a stunt/act on his bike and now has a small fracture in his right hand. Thankfully, it is the last week of school and his little sister has been sweet enough to help him do his math problems with him, as he tells her what to write. I hope that he heals up soon and is able to enjoy his summer in spite of it.

Today is my husband's birthday HE IS 38 YRS OLD. He has been 37 for three years now, so don't let him fool you. He will be away this week and I sure hope he gets some birthday cake. I am so thankful for him. He is my best friend and I sure miss him when he is gone, but would rather have him in the Lord's will then any other place!

 I hope that everyone has a fantastic week! Please be in prayer for the Alderman family, my aunt Cathy Irwin(loss of husband), and for the Bragg family as they go back and forth for Mr. Bragg's chemotherapy. Thank You.....oh, AND FOR RAIN!
God Bless!

Brownies does it!

We gave the orders this afternoon for the children to clean their rooms. This clean-up order involved closet and dresser drawers straightening, too. I had plans to finish up the laundry accumulation and weed out some clothes in my closet to take to Goodwill. I was busy as a beaver and able to get the chore done rather quickly, but the children on the other hand....well, let's just say that were not as enthusiastic! I began to get frustrated and started to threaten to take away certain privileges if they did not get their job completed. Their attention was diverted from the chore when daddy called them out to work in the garden. I have never seen them so thrilled about pulling weeds and thinning rows! I went on to cook supper and forgot about their unfinished task.

Later in the evening, I had washed the supper dishes and was sweeping the floor when I realized that their rooms were still not done. I called for them to get back to work. I continued with my sweeping and stopped for a moment when the timer went off on the oven. You see, I had made a pan of brownies for dessert and the children were REALLY concerned about the fate of them. I told them that they were welcome to them after I checked their rooms. Needless to say, this worked so much better then my repetitive threatening! Gabe was even putting dirty clothes into the dryer (yes...the dryer) to ensure that he got his brownie.

So, the moral of the story is: If you have a task that you really want done and want full cooperation from the children......BROWNIES does it every time!

I hope you have a wonderful Lord's day tomorrow!

PS. My husband's Blackberry has been messed up for the past week (that is why he has not got many of your text and messages), so I have been sending my blog through the facebook link to his FB page. I did not plan to continue that, but have had some say that they liked to read it from their FB, too. I guess facebook has become universal and easier to retrieve everything from. I will keep sending them from here to his profile page for easy access. Thanks for your sweet comments! God Bless!! -Jen

Rejoicing in the presence of Angels

 What a remarkable day! Today we attended the home-going celebration of Jamey Alderman. I do not think that I have the capability to express how truly amazing the service was! I will attempt to fill you in on the details of the celebration.
      First of All, the church was packed, the choir full, and the vestibule used for over-flow.The service was "Jamey style", as the family stated, and just as he would have wanted. It began with a special song, sung by his Uncle, Ronnie Alderman. Pastor Edmisten (a.k.a. "hubby") then delivered the eulogy and some special memories. It was really funny to see the video clips of Jamey being....well.... Jamey! Hilarious!!!
      Preacher Alderman (Jamey's daddy) shared with us about the many prayers that he and Rhonda(mama) had prayed on Jamey's behalf. He also told us of the change that Jesus had made in Jamey. It was at this time that they played Jamey's testimony. The testimony had been recorded during last year's prayer revival. It was unbelievable! He literally preached the message of the hour, compelling others to know His Jesus, the one that had pardoned him and changed his life forever. Grown men were weeping and hearts were so touched. The video was followed by the pastor encouraging the congregation to make their calling and election sure, reminding everyone that Jamey wanted EVERYONE to know his Lord. Hearts were touched, and many were troubled, as they contemplated their eternal destination. The Bible Baptist Church children (led by the Wiggins family trio) met up at the front and sang "I have been blessed" for the invitation song. Brother Jamey's two oldest were among the children singing. One man came forward and knelt at the old-fashion altar to receive Jamey's recommendation...JESUS! There was rejoicing in the presence of Angels, and I imagine that Jamey was in on it too!
     Praise the Lord for this wonderful day.There were DVDs made of the service and one made of the testimony alone. I could not wait to get home and watch the service a second time (if that tells you anything).
     The work has begun.There is so much more that I am sure we will see the Lord do as a result of today. The children (and others) plan to go on visitation and pass out their daddy's testimony DVD all over Statesboro. I can hardly wait to see what God has in store. Thanks to all of you who prayed so hard for the service today. If you would like a copy of the service, please let me know. God Bless.

God Gives Grace

As my mind rehearses the events of the last few days, I recall a testimony of a friend. Not long ago, I listened intently as she shared her life story of how God gave grace during the passing of her husband. To someone who has never had to go through the hard times of losing a loved one (companion) as she had, one would have to take her word for it, as I did. God was ministering handfuls of grace to her during those hard times and I cannot imagine those who face the chilling hand of death without it. Although her story was very touching, real, and true... I was not there to see the grace administered to her first-hand. With that thought in mind, I have prayed that God would do the same this week, ministering that same grace to those whom have lost their loved one. I have seen the Lord answer prayers time and time again, and he has been so faithful. I knew that he would give grace, but I can definitely say that what I saw tonight (even though I had prayed for it) I was not anticipating to see in the magnitude displayed.

We attended the receiving of Jamey Alderman, our church member and dear friend. I have to admit, I was so hesitant about taking the children. I imagined that it was going to be very difficult for them to see their friends upset over the passing of their sweet daddy. Well, although I know that there has been plenty of tears shed, and rightfully so, boy were we in for a surprise!

Once our family arrived at the funeral home, little Landon Alderman(son of Jamey that passed) ran over to get our son Levi. He asked him if he wanted to go see his daddy. Landon (who had a big smile on his face) and Levi went together to the viewing. Levi told me later that they talked and talked about what an awesome dad he was. Landon was so proud, and rightfully so. His daddy loved Jesus, and he was assured that he was just fine now. I honestly felt as if the Lord was using the Landon to minister to Levi!

Later that evening, one of Jamey's family members thanked me for "sharing" my husband during this time of Jamey's sickness and passing. I have to tell you, I could hardly find words fit for a reply. I felt as if I should be thanking them! God used Jamey's passing (and family) to minister and to remind me just how close and intimate He will be to his children in times of needed grace. While walking around to each of the family members, each was so content, obviously knowing God's plan had been unfolded before them. I just wish that I could convey with words the emotion and joy that flooded my soul, knowing that God's grace was so real and that all of those prayers for comfort for them had been heard.


 Although the road ahead is full of uncertainties, there is one thing that we can rest assured of...He gives grace.

 As the song states:
God gives grace in the midst of every storm. He gives grace to the weary and worn. He is EVERYTHING we ever need for everything we face, and when it seems that we just can't go on...GOD GIVES GRACE!

I am so excited about the home-going celebration tomorrow. Many may think that it is crazy (being excited over a funeral) but you have to understand...We have reason to rejoice! Jamey is happier now than he has ever been. If anyone would want us to enjoy his "going home" celebration it would be the man that we would claim could be the 'life of the party".... In fact, he IS the life of the party and is more ALIVE than ever!

The best part about it is that God is going to continue to use Jamey's testimony to reach many others for His honor and Glory.

I am thankful for the blessed assurance that I will see our dear brother again.
Join us tomorrow as we celebrate. God Bless.
Please enjoy the following...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmEa5tqP4sU
God Gives Grace

Home-Going service for Jamey

Dear Friends,

     Words cannot express how thankful we are to know such fine people as you. Again, we want to thank you so much for the love that you have shown to the Alderman family, as well as to Bible Baptist Church during this difficult time. We are so thankful, too, that the God of all comfort is SO faithful, and has been wrapping his arms around us all during this time. Many have been requesting the arrangement information, so I am posting below. Many have been inquiring about a fund to send a monetary gift for Debby and the children (in lieu of flowers) and one has been set up. The fund information is below. Again, thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

Home-Going Service for Jamey Alderman will be held at Bible Baptist Church in Statesboro, GA. on Friday, May 20 at 11:00 a.m. The family will be receiving friends on Thursday evening at Joiner Anderson funeral home from 4-8.

*For directions to the church, please email Sandra Cepec at: bbaptist@frontier.net or call the church
at (912)764-5615.

Monetary gifts for Debby and the children:The Jamey Alderman Memorial Fund 889 Hwy 24 Statesboro, GA 30461

Home-Going of Jamey Alderman

Dear Faithful Friends:

     First of all, let me start by saying thank you all for your out-pouring of love and concern for the family, as well as for our church family. As many of you know, bro. Jamey Alderman(son of Dr. Max Alderman and wife Rhonda) suffered from a brain aneurysm Sunday afternoon and went home to be with the Lord today. We covet your continued prayers for Debby and the children (Camery, Landon, and Caden). Jamey was 36 years old. Jamey was survived by his parents Max and Rhonda, one brother, Ashley Alderman(wife Amy) and three sisters: Amy Alderman Thompson(husband Jerry) and  Anne Marie Alderman Smith(husband Andrew), Katie Alderman as well as Father-in-law Donald Ayers and mother-in-law Betty Ayers, as well as a host of nieces and nephews.We will miss SO much his witty, jovial, and sweet way.
Heaven just became much sweeter to so many. Thank you again for your prayers and support during this very difficult time.

      I will give updates regarding arrangments as soon as possible

-Jen

I apologize for not blogging sooner. I went to my page and was able to see that many have been checking here for possible updates on Max and Rhonda's son, Jamey. My husbands cell phone went ker-plunk this week and has a temporary phone borrowed until he can replace the old, so we are very sorry if you are having trouble reaching him.

 As much as my mind tries to break everything down to be analyzed, my heart is reminded to trust God, for HE knows what is best.

Bow the knee...
when the answer goes beyond what you can see...
Bow the knee, lift your hearts toward heaven and believe the one
who holds eternity.
When you don't understand the purpose of His plan...
Bow the knee.

Life is so precious. Hug your loved ones today and remind them of how precious they are to you. We know not what a day may bring forth!

Please continue with me in prayer for the Alderman family at this time. Jamey, their son, has suffered from a brain aneurysm and is now in a deep coma. He and his wife Debby have three children. We are praying that God would have HIS way. We serve a miracle working God who is ABLE.
I will try to update soon.

Tribute to Mother

     There is much that could be said of mother...
Today, I am thankful for the wondergul gift of having mama with me this Mother's Day. The older I get, the more I am aware of this "slice" out of my life that will not always be as it is now. Mother is one that should be treasured and the time that we have with her is more valuable than gold!

     We celebrated Mother's Day yesterday at BBC by hosting our 2nd Annual Ladies Tea. It was so precious seeing the Mothers, Grandmothers, Great-Grandmothers with daughters, Grand-daughters, and Great Grand-daughters posing together for pictures. The tea-room was packed and full of laughter and smiles. The florist were kept busy, as they were making deliveries to the mothers in the tea room. Every time another delivery would come through, the men that were serving (in black-tie, might I add) would get the attention of everyone by calling out the name of whom the delivery was for...just precious to see their faces light up and tears puddle as they read their cards of sentiment! It was a fabulous day. Prior to the tea-room, we were blessed by the testimony of Ms. Mary Davidson. She told of the care-giving experience of her husband and mother and encouraged us to treasure the ones that we hold dear. It was just what was needed for the hour at hand.

I want to pin roses on my mama while she is living, for it is mother that loved me when I was unloveable. It was also mother that first shared with me of My Savior's love. It is mother than sacrificed so much so that we could have the things that we thought would make us happy. It is my mother that gets so much smarter each year that I get older. It is mother that lends her listening hear to the troubles of the day and so sweetly deliver's the antidote. It is my mother that lives a life that exemplifies the Proverbs 31 woman. I want to be my mother.
John Wesley said, "I learned more about Christianity from my mother than from all the theologians in England." I can relate fully to this quote.

Take the time today to enjoy these moments with mother and make memories. If your mother has passed, honor her memory.
Happy Mother's Day!