Just Me 'n Mine

Leaving

2010-11-04T05:54:00.000-07:00

We are leaving in just a few weeks and it still seems very surreal. Daphne, on the Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay,has been our home for six and a half years. We have absolutely loved it here. The area is beautiful, we have been blessed with wonderful friends along the way and have treasured living near my brother, sis-in-law, and three nephews.

Difficulty has lived here as well. There has been job loss, broken bones, educational upheaval and some excrutiatingly painful lessons learned. But there has been much joy, much laughter, and many prayers answered with "Yes," "No," "Maybe," or "I'll get back to you on that."

So a new season begins. Last Sunday, I attended the 50th wedding anniversary celebration of my Aunt and Uncle. It was such a sweet time. While there, I watched a video slide presentation with scenes from their 50 years of marriage. Seeing as how I have been alive for 41 of those years, I and my family, parents, brother, were in more than a few. As I watched that slide show I was absolutely overcome with how quickly the seasons of our lives can change. There were pictures of my Grandparents, and my Dad who died in April of this year. There were pictures of my babies when they were small. I watched as much as I could--- attempting to breathe through the river of tears that flooded me. Then I all but ran to the bathroom and literally wailed in grief. My sweet cousin by marriage gave me about 45 seconds and then knocked on the door. She hugged me tight, and let me cry on her shoulder. Then she let me ramble for a few minutes. I put down the lid of the toilet and sat down to breathe normally again. Someone knocked on the door and I automatically said,"Come in." Imagine the surprise on the face of the young man,(brother to another cousin by marriage) when I calmly invited him in as I sat on the toilet. (Remember the lid was closed, and I was fully clothed.) He very nearly fell backwards in his attempt to escape the crazy relative who had invited him into the bathroom while still sitting on the toilet. My sweet girlfriend/cousin who was still in there and I almost collapsed in a fit of laughter. Amazing how quickly emotions can shift.

Blessedly, the seasons of our lives are around a little longer than that. For now,I have had about as much "season shift" as I can take. The positive side to this is that it is teaching me to treasure each day, the people who are a part of it, and the God who is with me through it all. And as much as I will miss this particular season, I am looking forward to the new relationships and the renewed old ones of moving back to the general area from whence I came.

Wonder If...

2010-06-09T20:54:00.000-07:00

Wonder if I will ever get back in the groove of blogging? Its summer now. I am relieved for the break from homeschooling. It was a good year, but especially at the end it dragged on forever. I guess after April 3rd, my heart just was no longer in it.

Wonder if it will ever feel real that my precious and loving Daddy is not still limping around on this earth. Still can't believe he is not around for me to pick up the phone and call. Even more I am not used to going so long without him calling to check in and see how I, the kids and Kurt are doing. I will forever treasure that last phone conversation. About an hour and a half before the accident, we talked for about 25 minutes. It was a typical conversation. He asked about every family member, teased me a little, discussed the latest events including his activities of the morning and his plans for the next day. Easter. Celebrating our risen Savior. I think that Daddy did that every day anyway. I know he did that day. He celebrated and saw Him face to face. I am jealous of both of them; Daddy for seeing Jesus face to face, and Jesus for seeing Daddy face to face. I miss the gentle strength that shone on his face every time I ever saw it.

I remember feeling like the world should have stopped spinning when I heard the news that Daddy was gone; like the Sun should have gone out---flipped like a light switch. It didn't. And the world continues to spin, seemingly out of control. But I must acknowledge that it is not out of control. And that I do have hope because I know Who holds the future in His hands. Just like he holds Me and mine. Even now I know, in my heart of hearts that He never left my Daddy nor forsook him. In the very moment that the woman in the truck crossed over the double line--- slamming into his car, killing him instantly---he slammed right into the arms of His Jesus, the one he had spent the morning introducing others to.

Wonder if it will be very long before Jesus returns to take the rest of us home with Him?

Wonder how many of the people with whom I cross paths on a daily basis are actually ready to meet Him? And I wonder how I might better pray and/or speak to help point them to Him.

He is God, and He is Good. All the time.

Leisl

Happy Anniversary John and Dani!

2009-11-13T07:32:00.000-08:00

"Ten years ago today, a stunningly beautiful young woman in a sleeveless, white, flowing gown stepped from a brick walkway up the steps to a picturesque college chapel set among gorgeous live oak trees. Waiting inside and down the aisle, a tall, dark -haired, and tanned young man with intense blue eyes waited for his bride with unparalleled anticipation.

In the vestibule, a sleepy-eyed , tuxedoed three-year old shyly took the hand of an exotic little nine-year old beauty, and with his other hand carried the white satin pillow holding the rings. Together, they walked down the aisle. She, daintily splashing flower petals and he, gazing at her with the adoration a young child only bestows on one a few years older. They performed their tasks beautifully.

Family and friends, bridesmaids, and groomsmen, witnessed the event with great joy as John and Danielle Scott Gilliam committed their lives to God and each other in marriage.

It was a yellow and red-leaved, breezy, autumn afternoon. It was ordained by the Creator of the Universe. And it was perfect."

July 21, 2009

2009-07-21T20:34:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was my anniversary. 40 years ago, took my first steps on earth. The cool part is that it was the same day man took his first steps on the moon. Makes it easy to remember.

Today, my children and I did the mad scramble to get the house ready to be shown by a realtor. They were a big help. Had to take them for ice cream at McDonalds. It was the least I could do. Mommy's perfectionism must certainly be maddening. Considering the fact that this is our second go around at trying to sell our home, it is a been there done that for all of us....one we could honestly do without. It is what it is and it IS apparently something we gotta do.

Now, I am watching Alyssa munch on a granola bar. It is 10:40 p.m. She is sitting there, cross-legged on the couch beside me. She is wearing her lilac colored disney princess gown, (her favorite) and asking me questions. I love that girl! "Is this healthy? " she asks. I nod my approval and she, satisfied, continues crunching and asking me questions like, "Mommy when did you lose your first tooth?" We discuss normal tooth loss patterns among she and her friends.

Her Daddy walks in and compliments her artwork from Vacation Bible School. "Thank you," she says. He continues on and walks upstairs humming and singing, "Close to You," the one by Karen Carpenter.

Though it is late by the rest of the world's standards, it is not so much to us. We are winding down, it is good. Very, very good.

Leisl

New Mercies

2009-02-23T20:19:00.000-08:00

It was a cold and gorgeous morning. The sun was brilliant and sparkling on the water as I sat by the bay with breakfast, coffee, my Bible and my camera. After some time with my Lord, I went for a walk with Him. We crossed the boardwalk, wound around on the gravel path, saw the large live oak tree where General Jackson gave some famous speech and then we walked back and picked up litter along the way.

I couldn't stop smiling. It was one of those goofy smiles you get when you are with someone you are crazy about. I talked to Him the whole time. We had a good time. I needed that walk more than I can describe.

I returned home later a better wife, a nicer Mommy.

Leisl

Random Things

2009-02-03T20:34:00.000-08:00

I finally gave in and did the 25 Random Things about Me thing that everybody on Facebook has been doing. I think I will also post it here just for fun.

My first word was "Kitty."
I love cats. Surprise!
I took my first step on earth on the same day that Man took his first step on the moon. "One small step for man....."(And baby girl.)
My idea of a good time is a caramel macchiato, good music, and a good book.....either alone or with my Kurt, or with my Gaylefriend who lives three hours away and has to go to a different Starbucks.
I LOVE being a southern girl, complete with sweet tea, cornbread and buttermilk.
"I'd like to teach the world to sing...in perfect harmony!" No, really yall, it hurts all the way up my spine when somebody is singing offkey. They can't help it, but neither can I. Its good that God likes a joyful noise, maybe He will let me hear with His ears some day!
People who take the time to care about others, (people and creatures :) ) totally ROCK! "What the world needs now, is love, sweet love."
I believe there is a song for every occasion.
I am the proudest Aunt that ever walked on this earth.
I love hanging out with my kids. They are way too cool!!
In high school, I was the Shelby County Spelling Bee winner. I lost at the state level on the word "Marmalade" which I did just spell correctly and will never misspell again.
In college I went to London. While there, I went to Trafalgar Square to watch the ball drop on New Year's Eve. It was very exciting....but then I almost got kidnapped by an extremely creepy dude with a towel on his head. I was rescued by a GIRL who hit him until he let me go.
My brother got chased in Atlanta by a dude with a chain saw. But that is his random thing. I just think its a neat story. If you know John, ask him about it sometime.14. I asked for a baton for Christmas this year.
I have personally witnessed truly amazing Miracles that only a personal, infinite God could perform.
My first paid job, other than babysitting was scooping ice cream at the Riverchase Galleria when I was 17. I quit one month later after being accused of stealing. The day after I quit, the REAL CULPRIT was discovered.....aaahhhhh....Can you say, vindication?
My husband ate two week old baked beans the night before our wedding. Let's just say the tears streaming down his face as I walked down the aisle toward him were not just because he was overwhelmed with my beauty.
In 1993, I had the privilege of traveling with my husband to Germany to meet his family over there. A travelling tip I have discovered is that when sitting in a small basement restaurant with people you don't know very well, who don't speak your language, and who are all smoking with no ventilation in sight, it is advisable to order two of what your Mother-in-law is drinking and enjoy the rest of your evening.
I wish Sarah Palin was our president.
I could have gone to college for FREE....I didn't. Hindsight is 20/20. Put those two twenties together and that is about how many years it seems to be taking to pay off my school loans.
My twelve year old son is far more understanding and immediately forgiving of others than I am.
I like to write poetry.
I am sort of shy. Seriously.
I do plan to overcome my faults, and I am so glad that "He is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us." (Ephesians 3:20)
My husband, my father, and my brother are the 3 most awesome men I have ever known.

Just Seeking Him

2009-01-06T07:00:00.050-08:00

It has been weeks since I posted. One would assume it has been due to the busyness of Christmas. That is part of the truth. The other part of the truth has been a heaviness of heart. Yes, I had a wonderful blessed Christmas celebration with my immediate and extended family. I had some very special time with cousins I rarely get to talk to one on one...and we had that. It was absolutely precious.

I am still hesitating....

In the life of my own little family, (and yes we belong to Him, the Christ we all celebrated), we have some pretty big issues staring us in the face. I know that right now in our country, there are many with similar issues due to the downturn of our nation's economy. Let's just say our own "economy" took a downturn almost two years ago when the company my husband worked for downsized, and as the highest paid employee, he was let go. Not fired...."let go." Whatever, the end result was the same. Since that time, his efforts at finding full time employment, which have been constant, have been to no avail. He had a temporary full time position that lasted about 3 and 1/2 months last year. He accepted the call to a church as a Bi-Vocational pastor one year ago, but without the other vocation. :) He has done whatever he could find to do, from landscaping, to cleaning businesses, to painting....odd jobs here and there. Still, for reasons that only the Lord knows. He (the Lord) has caused every single door to remain shut regarding full time employment.

Before you go deaf from the violins playing the sad music in the background, please know if you are still reading at this point that I do not write this to evoke sympathy or pity. This is just me, making a public proclomation that I know He sees our need, He is in control, and "My God shall supply all our need according to His riches in Christ Jesus."

We haven't missed a meal, and none of us are naked. We still have shelter and in the eyes of most of the world that makes us wealthy.

Quite simply, we are at a point in which some hard decisions have to be made, and we are just not sure which way to go.

If you happen to read this, and if you believe as I do that if we "Trust in the Lord with all our hearts, and lean not on our own understanding, in all our ways acknowledge Him and He will direct our paths," then just pray with me that we will keep Him our focus and trust Him and obey Him whatever He says and wherever He leads.

I am participating with DeeDee's TUESDAY'S TOGETHER (in the Word). One of the scriptures she mentioned was from the book of Isaiah, chapter 30 and verse 18:

So the LORD must wait for you to come to Him

So He can show you His love and compassion,

For the Lord is a faithful God.

Blessed are those who wait for His help.

How is that for a timely word?

Waiting for His Help,
Leisl

A Good Man

2008-12-09T21:56:00.000-08:00

He came home. He sensed my anguish. He cleaned. May the Lord bless him a thousand times over.

After a day that was spent hopping from one task to the next, i.e. schooling kids, starting laundry, sorting stuff for a yard sale, fixing food for multiple meals - my house was just trashed and I had nothing left in me for cleaning. I was as mentally cluttered as my house was literally. He suddenly had an apparent influx of energy and just went to town on this house. I feel no shame. I feel so - much - better!!!

I love my Kurt!

A good blogger would insert a picture here. The one of him lying on the couch, his energy finally gone. A good wife would probably skip the part about the snoring. I lost my instructions about how to put a picture on here so I had to give the play by play.

Lovin'my husband,
Leisl

Thankful Nonetheless

2008-11-27T22:31:00.000-08:00

What an odd Thanksgiving/Birthday.

Well it is 12:35 A.M. on Friday, November 28. I'm not asleep yet and can't seem to accept the fact that my Birthday is over. It was a big one. You know, one of those that ends in "0." Though I am not one of those people who refuses to tell their age, (I'll tell you if you ask me directly,) I just don't feel like splashing it out there in print. Well, it was kind of cool that it was falling on Thanksgiving. Kind of a distraction from the fact that I am getting older. As if.

Anyway, it turned out so weird because nothing at all went according to our plan. The day was just about over before I had a chance to even think much about the big "_0" part of it. See, we were supposed to leave yesterday, er, Wednesday to drive up to my parents house, a.k.a. "Papa's Farm," and be in place to go literally through the woods to my Uncle and Aunts house for the annual Thanksgiving Day tradition that is always such a good time. Instead, I finished laundry and packed while anxiously watching my sweet 7 yr. old as she progressed from "not feeling good," to hurling a trail that led from the living room, through the kitchen, all the way to where she stopped....right in front of the toilet. !

And so began the vigil, the fever...etc. My child is not the first to get a stomach virus. It was just the timing....So we let the family know what was going on and decided to give it another day and just drive up early on Thanksgiving morning. (Also, don't forget my Birthday.) Oh, and here is how my actual birthday began. At approximately 3a.m. ish---when she was calling out to me that she felt worse, the precious girl was trembling with chills. I decided it would be best for me to sleep beside her on her little twin bed. So, I put my head at her feet and my feet beside her head. (Hoping this might keep me from catching whatever she had.) Then it occurred to me that there was no toilet tissue in the upstairs bath and that if she threw up again this would be needed. (Not that it is not always needed.) Just follow me through all these endless details, there is a point. To obtain this needed toilet tissue meant I had to climb back out of her bed, go downstairs, and tiptoe across the very cold tile floor to the laundry room. Upon picking up the bag of toilet paper, I upset the broom with a metal handle. It fell forward and smacked me basically right between the eyes. ! Have you ever? I knew this did not bode well for the rest of my day. Funny how things pop into your mind but right at that moment, the moment where words I will not print and I am asking the Lord to forgive me for were proceeding from my mouth, it occurred to me that this was about the time of morning I woke my parents from a sound sleep lo those many years ago that end in a "0." Yep. My Dad has often threatened to call and wake me up on my Birthday at exactly that time as a kind of payback. I told him what happened, I think he felt sorry for me which I needed.

The rest of the day is kind of a blur. I did go back to sleep for a few hours, then began the dilemma of deciding do we stay or do we go. After a delicious Thanksgiving lunch of General Dollar Store brand chicken noodle soup, the kids and I eventually got out the door without the company of my husband who unfortunately had chills and nausea. He said he would join us tomorrow, er, today now...if he got over the virus as quickly as Alyssa did. We did finally make it to my Aunt and Uncle's house, the kids and I got to see the cousins and eat leftovers from the huge Thanksgiving Dinner. I got to blow out candles on my cake that end in "0," and .....well, just like that it was all over.

I'm glad it is not all about me. Nope.

I got to hold the cutest little nephew you ever did see. He leaned out as soon as he laid eyes on me with pudgy little arms reaching.
I saw the same cousin I used to carry around in my arms when she was a baby, with her brand spanking new baby and he is beautiful, just like she is.
I saw the relief in my Daddy's face when we all finally got their safely.
I saw the cool new bright red mustang that belongs to my second cousin who just turned 16. Precious, sweet girl.
I saw every other aunt, uncle, and cousin, and got to talk and catch up a little.
Played dress up with a four year old who dressed me up in some flower child/diva get up and then proceeded to parade me around the house for the "pageant" as she called it.

I could keep going for another 20 bullet points without trying very hard. The end of it all is this. Yes, I am older. It was "the big _0". Big deal. The bigger, much greated deal is that I am surrounded by blessings and wonderful, precious people in my life. And loved by a Savior who is faithful to me and never changes. I don't know what tomorrow will bring, but I do know who holds tomorrow in His hands, I know that I am His, and I am Thankful.

Praying for your Blessing,

Leisl

It's Cold Yall

2008-11-21T15:20:00.000-08:00

Well, so much for my big yard sale plans. It just ain't happenin' down here on the gulf coast where it is forecast to be a hard freeze!!! And it is well on the way. Long term forecasts predict that Sat. Dec. 6th should be nice. I'll try again in a couple of weeks. I don't dare try for next Saturday. Oh, no. I must be in place on either the floor or the comfy couch at my Momma and Daddy's house for The Game.

Alabama vs. Auburn. I don't dare brag, I don't dare make a prediction, I just follow the traditions and goofy little details we have like....

My Mom must be in her recliner or things start to go down hill for the Tide.
I am usually doing stretches on the floor.
My Dad, well, he pretty much just doesn't move and polices the rest of us to make sure we go in and out the correct door for bathroom breaks and the like.

We used to have even more traditions in their former home. We are still working on the new ones.

I would love to hear your own stories of funny little superstitions you have when it is your "big ball game" day. Come on, don't be embarassed, I know you've got some.

Love you and Roll Tide!

Leisl

Short Hello

2008-11-20T12:33:00.000-08:00

So much to do today, not enough time. Just want to say Hi to any who check this blog.

I am trying to prepare for a big fat yard sale, which I don't do often enough and simply MUST do this weekend or BUST! Too much stuff, holiday season coming up, clutter trying to take over my soul and it, must, go.

My pooh-girl is going to be one of the Golden Geese in a production of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory put on by our local homeschool 4-H performing arts group. How fitting....as she is such a funny little goose, anyway.

Gotta go get my children reading their school stuff, swap some laundry, make some brownies to take to the play......are you bored yet?

If you loved me enough to read this little post......well....just know that as my Granddaddy used to say, "I love you real good too!"

Leisl

This is Why

2008-10-28T11:30:00.000-07:00

This has been the kind of day that a home educating Mommy dreams about. It was a cold morning, really the first of significance this season. With a fire crackling in the fireplace, warm blueberry muffins and scrambled eggs on our plates, steamy hot cocoa in our mugs, the children and I had a brunch picnic on a blue plaid flannel sheet that we tossed out over the rug. Luke made the blueberry muffins, Alyssa scrambled the eggs, and John Pierce carried the sheet out afterwards to dump all the crumbs outside. I was the overseer/helper/instructor to Master Chef Luke.

While the food prep was going on, it was discovered that we did in fact have some marshmallows, (after previously mourning the lack thereof). They were the little kind, best for putting in hot chocolate or on top of sweet potato casserole. Alyssa, however, had other plans for the mini marshmallows. She braved the cold (in her bare feet - AAAAGGGGHHHH!) to go find a very thin, long, stick with which she could pierce her marshmallows for roasting. Her brothers and I were very impressed, and the boys eagerly followed her example until everybody had little sticks with gooey, burnt, delicious little blobs at the tip.

With full tummies and toasty feet, we all sat back to discuss some scripture I had been reading in relation to a bible study I am participating in with some ladies from our church. We are going through the study Stepping Up: a journey through the Psalms of Ascent, by Beth Moore. Anyway, the scripture was from Psalm 124, and Romans 8:28-39. The point of this reading was to point out to the children that our God is “for us.” I wanted them to really get that no matter what is going on around us, or how alone we may sometimes feel, our God is ALWAYS for us, and nothing can separate us from His love. This acknowledgement led to the most amazing conversation in which we discussed everything from blood sacrifices, the entrance of sin through the deception by Satan in the garden of Eden, Abraham and Isaac, how Israel got its name, how alone Jesus felt on the cross and how he was still loving and forgiving until the very end. Somehow our conversation went to the Roman Empire, Nero, Alexander the Great, early names for Germany(Germania), England(Britania), and Spain (Espania). We discussed the fact that the Jews didn’t fully understand that Jesus, because he was the only human who was totally innocent and had never hurt anybody, was the final blood sacrifice, and that animal sacrifice was no longer necessary. How, even today, the majority of the people of Israel don’t recognize their own Messiah and are seemingly baffled by Christians who love them despite the difference in belief. I explained that we love them because it was through them that Jesus came, along with our salvation.

There was more that we discussed, and it was all so - very - PRECIOUS! I don’t know how much of this morning will remain with them, but my heart is full to overflowing. I do have the promise that the word of God will not return to Him void, without having accomplished His purpose for which He sent it. To be able to participate in that miracle alone is indescribable. The rest, is just icing on the delicious cake of being the one who presides over the education of my children. To God be the Glory.

Better than Chocolate

2008-10-25T19:14:00.000-07:00

Today's post is about the joy of "girl time." Make that "grown up girl time." I had some today and it was so desperately needed.

A trip to WalMart and the Salvation Army Thrift Store.

It wasn't the places we went, it was the girltalk that fed my soul. The title of one book I saw at the Thrift Store was something like, "Chocolate for a Woman's Heart." I don't know anything about the book, but I loved the title. I like Chicken Soup when I have a cold. But I like a little chocolate, ....mmm....pretty much any and all the time. Just a couple of hours to talk about the things close to our heart, to connect, well it was better than a pan of double fudge chocolate brownies.

My precious children probably don't realize that when they say their prayers tonight, they should thank our Lord that Momma had some girl time today.

I will thank Him for creating chocolate. And girlfriends.

Amen.

Leisl

This is what's happening here

2008-10-17T10:44:00.000-07:00

My husband is in the middle of a job that has taken him away for 10 days. He is getting some wonderful time with his Dad in the process, which is so great and so needed. We (the kids and I) are just fine. Short term single parenting I can live with, briefly. :)

So, the kids and I are just getting the school work done early so we can move on to the rest of our day which will include hanging out at the park with some other homeschool families. Wow. That was a really long sentence. Sorry about that.

Anyway, so I am taking part in this Beth Moore Bible Study about the Psalms of Ascent. It is really good and really awakening my Spirit in some ways. This particular day in the study reminds me to pray for the peace of my city. Not something I often think to do if I am honest. So I did.

It's interesting, because for two years we tried really hard to sell our house. We had two or three times that offers were made but contracts either fell through or were broken by others. We were trying to pay off some school loans and move closer to our church.....well, God had other plans. And here we sit. Same house, same neighborhood, different church since my Kurt got called to preach at one in a neighboring city. I don't understand why we are still here, but I don't have to. I do need to be awake enough in my spirit to recognize the needs around me and just trust my God.

So, in a little while the kids and I will head to the park.

Can I just add that I am particularly enjoying my children right now? Such precious, not so little ones, growing so very fast. I love to see their senses of humor blossom. They crack me up and I think I would be much older without them. Does that make sense? I also love those aha moments when they have them.

Right now, they are in my face wanting lunch and to get moving toward the park or whatever we do next so, that is all for now. The natives are officially restless and distracting. Did I mention I'm really enjoying my kids?

Later,
Leisl

Thanks

2008-10-16T13:15:00.000-07:00

The good news is K, the young lady for whom we were praying has been moved out of ICU and at least has a diagnosis. So the doctors at least know how to treat the condition called Polyarteritis Nodosa. It involves weakening and damage to certain arteries in the body and can cause excessive bleeding and/or blood clotting. Her home church, which is the one I grew up in, held a prayer vigil for her a couple of nights ago. Their family has a lot of support and that is a blessing that can't be overlooked.

The other young man I mentioned, is now home from the hospital with a change to his medication that will hopefully help him function a little better. There has been no improvement really to his heart condition.

I so appreciate all who prayed on behalf of these people and their families who mean a lot to me.
Continued prayer is appreciated too!

Thanks,
Leisl

Please Pray

2008-10-13T19:26:00.000-07:00

I have just learned that the precious daughter of some sweet friends from my home town, is in very serious condition at a hospital in Birmingham. Doctors have not yet determined the exact diagnosis. She is in Intensive Care. Oh, it hurts to know that people you love are hurting.

Also, a young man from our church has a heart condition that seems to be worsening. He has a wife and two young children. Again, doctors are not really clear about why he keeps having the exact problems he is. All I know is Joshee and Tori need their Daddy, and Erin needs her husband.

All prayers are welcome and appreciated.

Thank you!
Leisl

Just Meditating in Print

2008-10-12T14:35:00.000-07:00

From The Amplified Bible:

If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just (true to His own nature and promises) and will forgive our sins [dismiss our lawlessness] and [continuously] cleanse us from all unrighteousness [everything not in conformity to His will in purpose, thought, and action]. -I John 1:9
______________________________________________________________

I freely admit that I have sinned by allowing something in my Spirit and/or personality to fester for so long, so many years without dealing with it once and for all. Before anyone starts speculating about what insidious, hateful, vice I am about to reveal, just go ahead and sit down. (you probably don't stand while on the computer anyway so I'll just assume the obvious---you are already sitting.) . For anyone who has ever participated in any group activity with me, lived near me, attended church or school with me, you may beat me to my own confession. For anyone else, I am only procrastinating in print as I build up to the confession and it is this:

I, Leisl Lemire am annoyingly, perpetually, frustratingly.....late.

Late. Late. Late. Late! Nearly, but not quite, always.

It is the thing about myself I hate the most. It is likely the thing about me that others hate the most. There have been times that I have confessed this sin, and others have said, this isn't a sin is it? This is just a shortcoming. Well, I fear for me that it is a lot of things, including but not limited to, ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) {and boy, can't I use that excuse for lots of things},
a very bad habit years in the making, a generational curse (sorry Mom, it is what it is, and you have at least overcome it for yourself),....I could go on and on. If I did, I would merely be attempting to excuse myself from a societal reality that, like it or not, I am stuck with until Jesus comes to take me home where I pray there are no clocks.

I hear that some cultures south of the border are not so locked up in time constraints. While I envy them and am slightly tempted to head out on the next bus to Mexico, well, its just not feasible and wouldn't really resolve anything. The real issue is, apparently, within myself. I can honestly tell anyone who will listen that when I am late, I am not consciously or otherwise committing an act of selfish passive aggression or trying to cause my marriage to self destruct. I am not trying to exhibit some type of power over others. I am not in the deepest part of my being expressing a belief that I matter more than the rest of the world.

I have pondered many times over how to correct this. I have read books on managing time. I have cried. I have prayed. I have moped about like a scared puppy hoping nobody noticed but knowing my husband ALWAYS did. Today, I am addressing the situation a little more head on, hence - the blog post.

For anyone who might still be reading this wondering why I just don't get overmyself, well, believe me, if it were that simple I would have already done it. It is really quite humiliating to have to admit this in a public forum. However, though it might appear that I am a glutton for punishment, my goal in writing this is just to give myself a whole TON of ACCOUNTABILITY.
So, in the coming days, ask me, remind me, hold me accountable for what seems like a very basic rite of the typical person's life; p-u-n-c-t-u-a-l-i-t-y.

See, what I am counting on is in the last part of that verse I quoted above. The part where it defines unrighteousness as anything not conforming to His will in purpose, thought, and action. And the promise is given that if I confess my sin that He will cleanse me from all that. {All that}being, anything not conforming to His will in purpose, thought, and action. Do you follow? He commands us to "love our neighbor as ourselves," and to "do unto others as you would have done unto you." It is obviously His will that we, "do good, one to another." Well, by causing others to wait, as a result of my tardiness, I am not showing love, nor am I doing unto them what I want done unto me. This is not legalism, neither is it perfectionism. It is acting with purpose.
So, do I think I will be late ever again? Well, statistically, the chances are pretty high that I might fail again sometime in this endeavor. But let's not focus on that shall we? Nope. I have been as honest in my confession as I can be, and I am trusting that it is "God who is at work in me to will and to act according to His good pleasure." So that is where I leave this now. I am going to bed.

Much Love and Many Blessings,
Leisl

Am I Really Up this Late?

2008-10-10T22:34:00.000-07:00

Why yes, yes I am. This laptop has been on my thighs so long I am sure to have burn marks. I have done research on everything from homemade ice packs to put on my Daddy's aching knee, (no, not just ice in a ziplock bag - this really cool gel kind that comes from mixing three parts water to one part rubbing alcohol,) to drug reactions and definitions of medical terms. I also checked the blogs I follow and a couple of more that I follow but don't remember how to show on my blog.

I was kind of staying up late, hoping to hear from my friend who is beside her Grandmother in a nursing home tonight. The news was not good, and we are just praying for the Lord's Presence to just really surround them all.

It is amazing how some of life's sweetest moments are bound up in sorrowful ones. Just today, I got on my knees beside my earthly Daddy, put my hand on his feverish leg and prepared to pray with him and my sweet Momma for wisdom regarding some frightening symptoms he was experiencing. As I bowed my head to pray, I was just OVERWHELMED with how much I love my parents. The thought of being in this world without either of them is just SO SAD to me. I began weeping, and then my Mom stepped on my glasses that I had just put on the floor in front of me. Then, I started laughing, and they both did too. It kind of released that heaviness from us and we were able to pray, each one of us. It was just so - very - sweet, to be able to go TOGETHER into the presence of our Father in Heaven, and relinquish the whole thing into His very capable hands. Peace.

He is God. He is Good. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

In awe of the simple things,
Leisl

Old Friends, Short Blog

2008-10-02T09:45:00.000-07:00

I've had this insatiable desire recently, to reconnect with people from my past. My husband is also, experiencing this same phenomenon. Maybe it has something to do with getting old. Regardless, I just want to see and or talk to old friends. Along these lines, from yesterday's post, I received a comment from one of those old friends, Ann. I almost fell out of my chair when I saw your comment girl! If by the grace of God, you happen to look at my blog today, please give me your email address or something. I was just thinking about you, like two days ago. And start blogging if you can. You always have something interesting to say, and you are funny as all get out. I know you still are, (funny) because your kind of funny doesn't go away and it runs in your very creative family. By that I am refering to the family I know, which is your husband and your brother.

Okay, my Kurt has taken our kids today, away from our house so that I can do some organizing and planning regarding our homeschool. If I sit at this computer and do what I am tempted to do, keep blogging and checking all the ones I follow....well....it will be SIN!

Temptation comes in so many forms......

Leisl

Blessings

2008-09-30T09:50:00.000-07:00

As I do the last minute preparations for driving back to LA, (Lower Alabama - I know its obvious, but you never know who might not get it.) I find myself thinking of all the blessings in my life. Not necessarily in order though close:

The #1 obvious blessing: My Heavenly Father from whom they all originate:

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. " James 1:7

My sweet, strong, precious husband who got off a plane after 16 hours of travel to take over with our three kids so that I could be available to my Mom and Dad after Daddy's knee surgery. ( I can't wait to see my husband.)
A Mom and Dad who love the Lord and each other, and have loved their children and grandchildren so well.
Sisters in Christ who love Him and love me.
Starbucks ;D) A place to go hang with my Sisters and fellowship. ( And drink Caramel Macchiatos - or maybe next time that Pumpkin Spice Latte that Gayle had....mmmm.)
Friendship that may be complicated by busy lives and miles between, but can pick up right where it left off....even with late notice. (Thanks for joining us even though it was late Dee Dee!)
Fellowship in Christ....there is nothing sweeter.
The sovereignty of God - those moments when an awareness overwhelms, of being in a certain place at a certain time to either be available to someone, or just to pray....HARD.

These bless Me, and I am refreshed. My Jesus knows how very much I needed this.

On a different note,

I just have to say also for the record that I am blessed when technology fails and Gayle can't post a truly heinous video we made last night. Any one reading this who follows her blog (and that is probably any one reading this..)should consider it a blessing as well. This too is the sovereignty of God!

Blessings to you today,

Leisl

Me 'n my Daddy

2008-09-27T03:38:00.000-07:00

I'm sitting here blogging beside my Daddy, who is recovering from knee replacement surgery and his second day of physical therapy. He was so worn out! But he is such an amazingly tough guy. He will stick it out, and he will overcome this so that he can then have his other knee replaced. His "good knee," the one he will depend upon to stand on while rehabing the left one, was viewed recently on x-ray by an orthopedic surgeon who said, "I've been doing this for 16 years, and that is the worst knee I have ever seen." Kind of daunting isn't it? But my "God is able to do exceedingly, abundantly beyond all that we can ask or imagine"

To continue: It's now three days later. Or, three and a half seeing as how it is 3:20 a.m. on Saturday morning. I'm hanging here at the hospital with Daddy, again. He has had a tough time here for the last few days. This infection that is causing him to spike a fever every afternoon has worn him out. It has me pretty worn out too. I can't sleep because he is snoring like there is no tomorrow, which he cannot help because he is forced to sleep flat on his back.

I am too tired to attempt anything further with this post. Suffice it to say that the preceding comments were not intended to be a complaint. On the contrary, my entire purpose for posting at all was to communicate what a precious Daddy I have, and how, no matter what inconveniences, embarrassing moments, or frustrations are to be endured here, this man is one of the kindest, most giving men God ever created. It is my pleasure and honor to sit beside him and listen to him snore and offer whatever little comfort or help I can.

It is the least I can do, especially when I recognize the fact that throughout my lifetime as his daughter, I have no doubt caused him many inconveniences, embarassing moments, and frustrations.....not to mention bills. :D At least I increased his prayer life.

Leisl

Sir Kurt

2008-09-04T21:21:00.000-07:00

Who says chivalry is dead? Certainly no one who saw my peacemaking husband attempt to break up an all out cat fight!

Just when you thought it was safe to go to Chuckie Cheese... We were celebrating my precious nephews 6th birthday. The pizza was good, the tokens were flowing, a delectable chocolate cake was served....we were all laughing and having a wonderful time. The big mouse came over to visit and all the kids hugged him or gave him a high five. Fun, fun, fun.

Well suddenly this rather strange chick starts yelling at this other girl who had gone up the steps to one of the tunnels to retrieve her little girl. It seems the first chick was offended because the second girl had a dress on and revealed a little more of herself than rather strange chick wanted to see. So they start screaming at each other in Chuckie Cheese. The interaction became more and more heated. Kurt just happened to be leaning against a table between the two unhappy girls as their fury grew. He attempted to calm them and it appeared that it had worked. The original instigator chick, who appeared to be totally methed and her "so very methed out that he could hardly walk" companion left the premises. Or so we thought.

Upon our exit from the building we were discussing which cousin was riding back with who, and just generally trying to get everyone safely loaded in the cars. Our van was parked kind of far across the parking lot. Just as we headed to "Green Van" with the birthday boy in tow, (he loves Green Van,) we heard screaming from the side parking area. Psycho meth chick was lying in wait for the young woman who had so profoundly offended her by climbing up the tunnel in a dress. As we even more quickly now headed to our car, the obscenities began to fly and girl in dress decides she has had enough and she, along with her companion, (who I originally thought was a guy, but wasn't,) begin to pound Original Instigator Meth Woman. So, enter Sir Kurt, in an attempt to rescue all these violent women from themselves, he goes running over to break up the fight. Unfortunately, he had the keys to Green Van. So here I stand with my three kids, and my nephew, outside the relative safety of the car, watching my husband,and their father and uncle dive into the middle of these totally irrational people.

It was not pretty. Now, all of the kids start crying, thinking Daddy/BooDaddy (Jackson's name for his uncle,) might not make it safely out of this melee. He does make it out just fine and at least for the moment seperates the three women from each other.

This scene was actually pretty traumatic for our children. They have talked of very little otherwise since we left tonight and are fearful of bad dreams. This is completely understandable.

While I appreciate my husband's chivalrous concern for these women, and I am hopeful we won't often face these types of situations, I am encouraging him to remember to see the children and me safely into a relatively secure place before he intervenes on behalf of total nutcases who could be carrying a gun or knife.

The worst part of the whole thing to me, beyond the trauma these events caused my own children, is the knowledge that each of the women involved in this pretty serious altercation, had small children with them. That troubles me profoundly. Why? Why do grown people inflict their irrational, selfish attitudes on their innocent children. Why do grown people allow their own pride to rule over their concern for the needs of their own flesh and blood?

I'm reminded of Jesus' prayer to his Daddy, "Father, forgive them, they know not what they do!" What a gracious Savior! Way more gracious than me. My prayer is this: Lord, open their eyes to the precious little lives in their care. Those children are totally dependent on them for their every need and for safety. Father help them to stop inflicting their foolish choices upon those with the unfortunate predicament of being in their presence, and help them please Lord, to find You, the one true God and Jesus whom you sent .

Oh, and Thank you Lord, for protecting my knight in shining armor.

Most sincerely,

Leisl

Hurricanes,Lemonade, and Roaches

2008-09-01T18:18:00.000-07:00

Gustav. He didn't come here, exactly, but he certainly took over my Labor Day weekend. I am very grateful that down here in Daphne, AL we have just had a lot of rain, a few wind gusts and not much else. We have got a little bit of cabin fever, but really it has just been a great excuse to lie around on the couch and watch the weather channel all day. How lazy! I know. I needed it.

Yesterday, in anticipation of the onslaught of Gustav, I:

went to church
led a Sunday School class
experienced a great time of worship with a great message
helped move a chicken coop
helped move a bunny hutch
watched my husband and daughter chase and catch chickens
came home
cleaned off the carport of objects that potentially go airborne
by myself
reordered our storage area to make a place for our kitty cats to hide in case it got really rough here
by myself
did laundry
pondered and discussed the decision to stay and ride out the storm vs. leave and go hang out with my parents
way too many times
with my husband :)
decided I was entirely too exhasted to pack and drive.

All of that is why I didn't feel too badly about the profound laziness that took over today.

As I sit here with my fingers on the keyboard of my laptop, I am just grateful to be blogging.

You know, being still is a good thing. I really should do it more often. It gave me the opportunity to recognize so many blessings: the love of my family, the security of knowing that regardless of the weather...."my times are in His hands," food and shelter, friendship...basic and beautiful blessings.

Oh, and laughter......my brother and his family.....also in the area of potential hurricane threat...well, anyway....so...my nephew decides to have a lemonade stand. John tells him that they probably wouldn't get much business. He sets it up anyway, in the house, complete with the sign: LEMONADE 50 CENTS! Poor little guy can't figure out why nobody is buying his lemonade so he packs up the whole stand and moves it from the kitchen....to the front door. Every good business man knows its all about location, location, location. Sweet buddy, he is on his way but doesn't quite have his Daddy's business sense yet.

Okay, so about the roach. At this point I simply cannot qualify roaches as a blessing. I just can't do it. Do I dare tell about this roach? I am not sure I should completely gross out my "vast" readership. Let's just say there was a roach. It was gross. Why did God make roaches? And how do I segue to a new subject? And how do you spell segue, segway, segweigh? Still in lazy mode, I just don't want to get up and find the dictionary to look it up. I am sure I could look it up on the internet but....whatever.

Goin' Home

2008-08-13T13:46:00.000-07:00

Well, we've been here these last few days and it has been just heavenly. I brought all my stuff to get ready for school, to plan and prepare and I have made real attempts to accomplish everything on my mental, if not literal, "to do" list.

I don't have everything sequentially organized, curriculized, or prioritized. But I do have a general idea of some things I will work toward with our children. I do have five days full of great memories with my baby girl. I do have a great sense of peace in my Spirit because I have been in the presence of the Lord and He has shown me that whatever I have planned....He can always OUT DO ME IN! Oh, He is the One and Only Awesome God!

I am in AWE of Him.

Check out the amazing article on Fox.com about the young man who converted to Christianity from Islam.

Whoo-Hoo! I love hearing about the phenomenal ways God works to bring His own to Him. I am praying too for this incredible young man's family, who is likely in great danger because of his public confession of belief in Jesus. They must miss him terribly, but of greater concern is their own physical safety until (and maybe even after) they too believe in the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. And I do believe they will.

Wow.

So, very, cool.

On another subject....I can't wait to see my sweet, hardworkin', gorgeous husband. Mmmhmmm. He is so .......well, maybe this isn't the outlet for those thoughts....tee,hee....ANYWAY.

Gotta wrap it up.

Leisl

The Sweetest Gifts

2008-08-12T18:21:00.000-07:00

I'm really trying so hard to join the Blogosphere. Really, someone who likes to write as much as I do, should have been here AGES ago.

Soon, I hope to join this century and actually get a digital camera so that I can download pictures. But if I never get a digital camera, if I never get wireless internet in my home so that I can blog more often, if absolutely nothing about our financial struggles ever changes (not poor-mouthing :) ), I really cannot complain. I am just way too blessed. I have just spent the last 4 days in a gorgeous condo overlooking the Gulf of Mexico with my brother and my funny and adorable little nephews. Actually the first day and a half was with them, the last two and a half days have been just me and my baby girl. We have had a blast!!! Swimming for hours, cruising the "Leezy River" as Lijah Bear calls it, and cuddled up together at night we have enjoyed the 2008 Olympics. We are into gymnastics, and swimming.....all this.....and it was FREE!

What is that old saying,"the sweetest gifts in life are free", it is true. Yes, the condo is incredible, but that is not the gift to which I refer, though I am oh so grateful for it. The condo provided the opportunity to just focus on my precious daughter. Her brothers are having a great time a few states away, just hanging out with Grandpa. Her Daddy, may the Lord bless him, is working his cute little tail off to pay our bills. Its just the two of us for these few days and it is something I will always remember.

Games of "rock the boat," "throw the Pony," "pool dancing." Serious discussions about things like tidalwaves, the end of the world, and "what I did when I asked Jesus in my heart"---this from Alyssa just last night.

Though we have the option to stay a little longer, we are probably heading home tomorrow because we both miss my girl's Daddy. A few more days and the boys will be home. I miss them too!

Leisl