Living with Menopuase

There goes all my youth

The only time a young girl can relate to a menopausal women is when she's pregnant

Start exercising when you're old? You've got to be kidding. Well, maybe if I can look like this

Do this or...

You'll get this...

Men On Pause (I'm sorry, I really am)

Do whatever it takes

I couldn't resist...After all the above, this is what we have to look forward to...

I'm out of here!

Freedom in Christ

What is freedom in Christ? Lord only knows that I am NOT an expert in this area, only one to comment after the 1st and 2nd layers have been removed from my eyes .

  I wonder how many more layers need to go because life is such a long process of stripping, waxing and sealing the inner person.

As David and I were driving to church this past Sunday morning, I had the overwhelming feeling of grief come over me, mixed with gratitude. I thought how I use to believe that very few churches, if any at all,  in our surrounding area were leading people to Christ and the people who attended those churches didn't have a close walk with God. Negative comments were always made about other religions and I never questioned what was coming out of the pulpit. One of the denominations that was always under attack is one that I'm attending now. And that is where the overwhelming grief floods my heart. I started to think of how solid this church is and how loving the people are that go there. How grace- filled they are and how David and I have had the opportunity to witness first hand at how they handle "sin in the church". We are  so, so thankful that our eyeshave been opened to that truth and so, so glad not to be "judging the brethren", in that way anymore. (disclaimer: we are all sinners, I unfortunately find myself still judging others, because of this fleshly body that encompasses me) 

Freedom in Christ?  I really have no clue, but am so excited that I am a work in progress..


Galatians 5:1

1It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

Over hearing a conversation

Setting: Government office-all chairs lined up one row behind the other, staring at the back of heads. Two ladies behind me talking.

Conversation goes something like this: "You know my three year old is Pisces?" " Oh yeah, my daughter is a Leo." " Well Pisces are pathological liars. THIS CHILD CAN LIE NOW. He will tell you something that happened months ago and make you believe it just happened." " Well, my daughter is Leo and she is so controlling. She has to be in control of everything." " Yeah, Pisces and Leo's are hard people to be around. Lord help us both." ( Why did I get the feeling that these mothers weren't very thrilled to be with their kids?) Oh well...........

Staring at the wall in front of me (thank God they couldn't see my face) and overhearing these ladies talk was about to kill me. Not the conversation, but not being able to say anything to them.

First of all, aren't we all born with a sin nature? Yeah, that's what I thought too.
 If you ask me, that really sounds better than being called a pathological liar. After all, my first born would be considered a Pisces and if we must, I would be a Leo. We would most definitely break that mold, well my daughter would anyway...

I remember putting all my stock in astrology when I was younger and it didn't offer much of a future or a hope for me.  I found myself sad listening to the two of these women.

 I began thinking how much satan is a liar who wants us to believe the opposite of what God has planned for us. How he comes to set captives free and makes old things brand new.

That's exactly what He wants to do for these ladies and their babies....

~ thankful for what Christ has done
   Kelly

It's by the Grace of God Hunter Man

Happy 27th Birthday Hunter Man...................A counselor once told me when she gets to heaven, she wants to ask the Lord, " Lord, why do you let your children have children?" I get that!

Twenty-seven years ago, I was 24 and dad was 27 years old. Oh son, did you ever clearly understand how screwed up your parents were when we had you? UNBELIEVABLE! It's by the Grace of God that you are not still drooling all of yourself and others.

If you've ever wondered about God's workmanship, just look over your shoulder at your parents. We are thankful that God could see down the corridors of time and saved us from ourselves and gave us you. Why am I thinking of that movie, "Dumb and Dumber". LOL....

No seriously, I think every mother wants to have a son. I most definitely didn't deserve you, that's for sure. You had such innocence, surely I would stain you, and I did! BUT GOD, was in our midst the whole time and filled the pot holes that I created to make a wonderful you. I wouldn't change a thing about you. You are one of the funniest people in the WHOLE WIDE WORLD. You can make me laugh like no other. You're openness and honesty would curl the toes of those reading this, because they don't know you. But, for some reason, I can understand you. LOL. It's a good thing, huh. I better not share any of our conversations, people would swear we didn't have any sense.

You are an amazing husband, from my side of the tracks, anyhow. (Amy has final say) You are closed mouthed and people would be so lucky to share there deep dark secrets with you because of your loyalty.

You still have that stinking look that melts my heart. If I'm upset with you, all you have to do is look at me and I'm butter in your hand. ( I hope your wife isn't ready to throw up) But, it's true. I just can't help it, I'm head over heals in love with you.

Happy 27th birthday Hunter Man. Remember, God is ever present, He is real and he wants all of you!

~ Love, Mom

Jesus, Lover Of My Soul - Darlene Zschech

There's a price to pay when you're in business for yourself. It has nothing to do with being grateful for what one has, it's just reality. I LOVE my little restaurant/ice cream store and might I remind you "little" it is...But, as for the workload, there's plenty of non-stop chaos. Just like this week, the gates of heaven unloaded on Kookys and we were blessed beyond measure. Thankfully, appreciatively and out of an exhausted mouth, I say, "thank you Lord".

All that to say with the constantness (like that word) of my life, my soul longs for the Lord. A constant tugging for "MORE" Jesus. At times weary bones can only take care of the necessities in life, which leaves spiritual starvation. Even though you spiritually eat, it's sometimes NOT enough, not enough down time to sink in...I think it's called "Spiritual Indigestion". It would be nice to slow down enough to enjoy more of what I know is true.

I thought I'd share this old worship song that I found on youtube..

It's spiritually delicious

What we CAN do Ames!

This is what we do at work all day! NOT!

Interesting Church Name

Frequently, David and I will go on a motorcycle ride not to far from our home.

We love living in the low country where there are roads that are draped gracefully with Spanish Moss.

 peaceful

On this particular ride we pass  Auldbrass Plantation which is owned by the  Hollywood Film producer Joe Silver. 

The end of the road will take you to a very small town called, Yemassee, S.C.

Home to the closest Amtrak Train station to our little town.

Very small, but busy little place

I think Yemassee is home to one of the most interesting church names around..

Now if that doesn't make you want to go to church and taste the goodness of the Lord or what?

cute and quaint, i'd say!

Hope your Sunday was/is great!

                                                                                                                             ~ Kelly

A Faith Builder

The winter season at work (the restaurant)  always reminds me of the winter season outside. Winter is only here for a very short time (which seems forever in the middle of it)  and then Spring. Obviously, Spring brings blooms and new growth, just as Spring brings more money to pay bills at Kookys...

                                                           

I've always heard testimonies of people who have shared some remarkable stories, such as, " My husband and I have been praying for money so we can fly our family home to be with my parents at Christmas. Just the other day a friend of ours called and offered us their air miles that they've been saving. Can you believe it?"

How about: " We need our truck fixed, it's the only vehicle working right now and my husband really needs to get to work. We went to the mailbox yesterday and can you believe their was an envelope from an anonymous person with a money order for $900.00?"

Or..." We are low on food, my neighbor came over and brought us an unexpected dinner tonight."

All of these testimonies are believable, especially someone who has faith in God, but at the same time so far away from my mental ability to relate because it really doesn't happen to me. Seriously, it hasn't happened to me like that at all. But, I've always wanted it to and even found myself praying that it would. ( I know)

Do you know where I'm going with this?

I really am. Funds have been low at the Marcy house and I've SERIOUSLY been praying for something to come our way. Something like this: Lord, please open the flood gates to Kookys financially or if there's something I'm not thinking of please let that happen or Lord, please forgive me for trying to figure this out for you, because of course you are God and you know all things and alright Lord, I'm sorry, I surrender, you know our needs. AMEN! I sometimes feel sorry for God because He has to put up with me. 

Back to the story: that afternoon (after the prayer) I went out to the mailbox and low and behold their  REALLY was a check. It was from a lady David did work for almost a year ago who decided to finally pay him. (She was NOT included in my prayer; well maybe the last part of it) We had given up on her because of a track record she has of not paying us for work that has been done for her in the past years. (my husband really likes her  cranky self)

No lie, it really does happen. It really does happen to people like you and me.

Thank you Lord for loving your children and ALWAYS out smarting us...

Teach us to trust you!

~ Kelly

FREAK SHOW AT THE MARCYS

HERE'S ME LOOKIN AT YOU BABE 

ANGRY EYES! 

THE FREAK SHOW BEGINS IN 5 MIN. 

AWESOME MUSTACHE 

HERE'S ONE FOR YA 

HE'S CUTE IN REAL LIFE.. 

OH JAV, DON'T SCARE US 

HE CHANGES FROM ONE SECOND TO ANOTHER 

MAMMAW

WE THOUGHT SHE TURNED INTO SOMETHING ELSE WHEN WE WENT TO BED

SHE LOOKS LIKE A PLASTIC CHUCKY DOLL

OLIVIA AND BA-BA

OLIVIA OR A BIRD?

DOUBLE TROUBLE

DEAC THE MEAC DOESN'T LOOK SO MEAC

DEACON

OH NO, YOU CAN'T BREATHE NOW

GREAT GOODNESS, YOUR TONGUE IS ALIVE

BUTTON NOSE

I've been tagged

I've been tagged by Amy

thedirtlife.blogspot.com

 

 It's called 11 questions and bloggers tag each other and
 answer the questions asked to them

Here are the rules:

1-you must post the rules.

2-post eleven fun facts about yourself on the blog post.

3-answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post, and then create eleven new questions to ask the people you’ve tagged.

4. tag people and link them on your post.

5. let them know you’ve tagged them!

Here are Amy's questions to me:

1. dog or cat, and explain why?

I prefer cats any day. I love their personalities, they are easy to take care of, you don't have to take them outside to use the bathroom and you can leave them for a couple of days if you have to go out of town. (no boarding fee)

2. do you wear pink?

Not really, I only type in pink..Seriously, I do wear pink lipstick sometimes; I don't think I own 1 stitch of daywear. 

3. what is your favorite comfort food?

I LOVE macaroni and cheese please

4. what’s your favorite song to sing in the shower?

I usually pray in the shower, but if i do sing, probably something like 76 trombone da-da-da-da-da. Because I don't know the words...

5. if you could revisit any happy moment in your life, which one would you choose and why? Being pregnant, i love the closeness of having the baby inside and feeling it move

6. if you could change anything about the present, what would it be?
I'd bring Cally, Javier and Baby Elijah home

7. if there was one thing you could know about your future, what would it be? hmmm, that's tuff....How long will i own Kookys? I wouldn't want to find out when I was going to die or anything like that.

8. what is your favorite thing about yourself? That I enjoy talking with "most" anyone, no matter where they come from in life.

9. what is your biggest resolution for 2012?to keep in feet moving forward and not allow myself to get stuck

10. what is the biggest life-lesson you’ve learned so far? I am learning to live and let live. God is in control, not me.

11. if you were to adopt a baby, from which country would you do it (not including the USA)? Honduras. I'd prefer to adopt a little boy by the name Elijah Xavier Garcia, but since I can't have him, I'll take another.

My Questions for those I tag:


1. If you could be anywhere else right now, where would it be and why?
2. What famous actor or actress has inspired you the most?
3. What is your favorite song?
4. Who is your favorite Christian speaker on the radio or t.v.?
5. If a cat is supposed to have 9 lives, how many would you choose and why?
6. What is the first thing you notice about a person when first meeting someone?
7. White or wheat?
8. What kind of toothpaste do you prefer?
9. The last time you cried was?
10. What did you eat for dinner 2 nights ago?
11. What do you call restful?


I tag:
Cally-    http://rubia-mivida.blogspot.com

Deep Crevices

Psalm 63:1A psalm of David. When he was in the Desert of Judah. O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water
****************
Have you ever hidden sins down in the crevices of your heart? (soul)
As much as I want God to reveal to me the areas of my heart that need repentance, healing, forgiveness; Sometimes I really don't want Him to reveal everything to me, only certain things, things I'm willing to be shown.
.
With hands lifted up, as to surrender I ask God to forgive me for things i've done, to fill me with His Holy Spirit, to use me like He wants to use me, and then I quickly run over to certain areas of my life and throw a tarp over it for Him to leave alone. Something I'm not ready to deal with yet, something I like to dwell on, an area where I justifiably think I have the right to hold on to for whatever reason. 


 That's futile thinking, foolish thinking. 


Do you do the same?


If so,
Since everything is laid bare before the Lord anyway, why do we find ourselves playing such a game with God? As if we are going to win. Thankfully, He sees the whole picture of our life and doesn't ZAP us dead, He doesn't give up on us. 

God always wins the game of life, in this instance, it's like He trumps us with the GRACE card. And when He trumps us, it's always SO gentle, loving and forgiving. 

The process that we go through to finally, truly surrender the hidden sin found in the crevices are destructive to us. You will never win when hanging onto the sins of the soul. It will always wear your butt out, leave you feeling aged and burnt out. 


Since God is faithful and concerned with our outcome and one to be trusted, one that cannot be hidden from, one who knows everything about us; why don't we just surrender before we put ourselves through so much unnecessary torment?


As I age, I'm slowly learning that God's way is the best way. Saying it and doing it are two different animals. The outside of our lives, must match the inside.


Today, I will pray and truly ask Him to reveal any sins that need repentance. Today, I'm feeling to tired inside for another fight with God

Come Lord Jesus and spare your people from themselves.


~ Kelly~

Baby Elijah

Dear Baby Elijah,

Oh how I miss your wet, slobbery kisses and your warm fuzzy head. I can't forget your 

gummy smile

 and your bright eyes.

Everywhere I look you are there.

 I look in my backyard and see your mommy holding you up to wave to Ba-ba out  the window of your apartment.

I look at your white car and see you in your car seat.

I go up in the apartment and see your crib

Bab-ba even has some of your clothes in her laundry room

Mommy left Ba-ba one of her favorite winter blankets that you wouldn't need in Honduras because of the warm climate.

Even at Kookys, Ba-ba remembers you sleeping in your car seat beside the toilet in her teeny tiny bathroom.

I wonder what your thinking in your little head going from a little 

Spanish to a lot of 

Spanish. To a lot of English to very little English.

Things are very different now

Do you like your new home?

I know you are loved a lot by your Mommy and Daddy and your new family.

Ba-ba can't wait to see you so she can hold you close to her again.

Ba-ba loves you sweet boy!

Katie, what the HECK are you doing?

disclaimer: I am not responsible for Katie

A message from a Messianic Jewish Publisher

THE VOICE OF THE LORD
We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God (Romans 8:28).

Sometimes we make poor choices in life. Later, we pout over the grim consequences: a child born out of wedlock; a jail term for dealing drugs; uninspiring career options as a result of poor grades; a chronic disease but no health insurance. Is this the time to say, cheerfully, "God causes all things to work together for good ..."?

The Talmud relates the experience of Rabbi Akiva while visiting an inhospitable town. He arrived in the evening and the innkeeper and home owners refused to grant him shelter. Rabbi Akiva was forced, with his candle, donkey and rooster, to spend the night in a field by the road. He lit his candle to study Torah, but the wind quickly blew it out. Then, a mountain lion attacked his donkey in the dark and carried it away. Still later, a weasel crept into the camp and stole the rooster. What a night! But Rabbi Akiva told himself, "This too is for the best."

At dawn, he awoke to discover the whole town had been ransacked and its inhabitants carried away by a band of marauding thieves. Had the townspeople given him shelter, had his candle remained lit, had his donkey brayed or his rooster crowed, he too would have been carried away with the rest. Rabbi Akiva gave thanks and continued on his way.

...commit myself to suspend judgment when I pass through the trials of life.

Oh, how I wish to have this attitude of contentment in my life. This makes me think of the words that echo out of Katie's, my friend and co-worker, mouth. She ALWAYS says, " I'm learning to be content in all things." Seriously, do you know how much energy we would save ourselves if we had the attitude of the Rabbi and Katie Sue? 

I will admit that there are times I get it and times I don't get it. We all know that life has different degrees of pain and disappointment and it takes others longer to get it  than other people.  That's where grace comes in..

When I read how the rabbi's candle blew out, I thought of my daughter-in-law Amy. I could hear her saying, " Now that's o.k. we can read the Torah tomorrow, it's no big deal."

We can learn a lot from one another, even though we are all made so different.

I was encouraged today by this Rabbi, he got it!

I'm working on it.

~ Kelly

My Thought's on 2011

I made myself sit down and look back at the year in passing, so I could take the time and see the blessings that were given and see the pot holes of neglect that I created.

For some reason, this image came to my mind....

Imbalanced scales

Wow, it was most humbling to be confronted at the pot holes that were left undone and not filled in due to procrastination or exhaustion, or down right laziness. I could probably throw in hormone imbalances too. (that excuse is still working for me)

But, in all honesty, it did make me see where I need to regroup and RE organize for the umpteenth time. One difference between me now and me yesteryear is I have a realistic outlook on how to go about regrouping. When I was younger I felt I had to conquer it all today or this week which never happened and then defeat would follow.....Thank God for journals or in my case calendar's to point out areas  in our life where we need help..

So, my goal in 2012 for all that negative is to move forward daily in some way or another and not focus on the did nots....

But, the blessings out weighed the negatives in my life..probably, because I choose to see it that way...I'm sure that I could sit and sulk and dwell on all the negatives, but it will only dig a deeper pit in life...So I reach upward ...and 

⁴ To the LORD I cry aloud, 
   and he answers me from his holy hill

BLESSINGS

God's faithfulness even when we are unfaithful

His faithfulness to my friends in crisis..How they still walk close to Him and give Him the glory even out of some very difficult times. ( you know who you are...)

Kooky's...The Lord has opened the door for us, once again, he provides

Kooky's employees....a perfect match

God's heart in all of my children and spouses ( I could write several pages)

Grandchildren...their the best

God keeping Hunter and Amy safe and working in their hearts on the PCT

Dustin-You're a great father and husband

The new life in Mikal's belly

The passion he's given Mikal in the Post abortion ministry

My daughter's are GREAT mothers

Mikal-huge heart for God

My Family-how we love each other and understand how to extend Grace to one another

Baby Elijah-The Lord is my God (a prayer over him) born 2011

Cally-God's unbelievable rock you are, full of strength and love for others

Javier-A man of God

Honduras-God works in mysterious ways, I love the people

God's faithfulness to Cally, Javier & Elijah-bringing them to Honduras

Amy-the encourager, full of wisdom

Hunter-light hearted in this depressing world (balanced scales)

Mammaw-You teach me so much about the Lord

Mom-She loves her children

Robert-love getting to know you better

My husband-the blessing of struggles brings me to know that God is ever near..A fresh year to love you and grow with you. I'm your girl forever...

To my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ-the most forgiving and gentle God who displays unconditional love to all who don't deserve it. Full of Grace, giving us what we don't deserve and full of Mercy-not giving us what we do deserve. There is none like you...

                                      ~Kelly

Thought's on Christmas 2011

Dec. 18th, seven days before Christmas Day, Cally, Jav and Baby Elijah depart for the adventure of their lifetime. They return to Javier's homeland in Honduras, where they will begin their journey of faith. 

Mixed emotions stir during this time between these two dates given. Emotions of great sadness and overwhelming grief strikes deep within the souls left behind and the ones going beyond. Happy feelings for Jav to finally be united with his family for the first time in eight long years. Excitement for Cally to see her husband's joy as he embraces his loved ones. Happiness for her new family to embrace she and her husband as one and to love on their new baby Elijah. Feelings of confusion flood each of us, both this side of the U.S. and in Honduras; not knowing exactly how to feel about moving forward in life when the ones you so closely hold to your heart, the ones you can touch, feel, smell, hear are now far away from you.

Emotions can make or break you, at times we want to give into them and allow them to break us and have their way with us because we want to give up and not move on in life. But, thankfully, we are strong by the grace of God and we always seem to find our way standing back up on the feet of our emotions and trudge onward. First slowly and then a little faster. I would have normally written, a little faster and faster, but we're not quite there yet....

So a lot has happen between 12/18-12/25.....and then Christmas Eve comes..Cally, Jav and Baby Elijah are in their new land away from our traditions this year. They are now establishing their own..

I am very thankful to have a deeply committed family. I have always known that we were, but for some reason without even knowing that it needed to be proven, it was proven again. There was an underlying feeling of everyone having to take care of everyones feelings. Just making sure we were o.k.

 Now that Cally wasn't here with us this year.  As obvious as it was that they were physically not present, they were as present as they could have ever been in our hearts. All throughout the day someone was always talking about them. "How we missed the traditional Honduran mix in food that Cally would always bring." "The departure at the airport that had just taken place." " Dad and I receiving our baby picture of Elijah." "Tears."

Breakfast as usual at Dustin and Mikal's house Christmas Eve morning.  Hunter and Amy, Dad and I joined them. It was a relaxed morning, after dad and I arrived 30 min. late. We ate and talked and talked and the poor kids had to interrupt us 50 times to tell us it was time to open their gifts from everyone.  We loved watching the kids faces as they opened each and every gift.  Later in the early afternoon Dad and I departed to hurry and get out to the beach where we we going to welcome Hunter and Amy for a nights stay at the beach.

Everyone pitched their tents and hurried to sit around the fire. The fire that lasted and lasted thanks to David, Hunter and Amy always tending it. There is something mesmerizing about a fire. Something that pulls you towards it and when it does it grabs ahold of your gaze and doesn't let go.  I think it disposes of  all your stress. It's as good as a massage or hot bath. 

The first night the wind was fierce and chilly. Thankfully our two guys rigged a picnic table to block the wind, which made our evening more pleasant. After our cooked rib-eyes topped with onions and mushrooms, broccoli and cheese and a caesar salad, we continued to talk and stare at the fire, our evening delivered what we came for, we were all rejuvenated, from the inside out.

Sunday morning, we awoke to a beautiful morning, with a quick walk on the beach. The clouds slowly moved in and the air became a little chillier moment by moment.

David, Hunter and Amy made an awesome breakfast. There's nothing like campfire food and I must brag on us all, that we have a very sophisticated way of cooking it. Somehow, it came out extra, extra good. There were scrambled eggs, Applewood Bacon, pancakes, hash browns with stir fried onions, coffee , hot chocolate. Did I miss anything? It was great.....

Can't wait to go back to the beach, hopefully before next Christmas...

Thank you Cally, Jav and Baby Elijah for loving us all. Thank you Mikal, Dustin, Miss Olivia, Deac and Levi for having us over your house. And thank you Hunter and Amy for spending time at the beach with us this year. 

We love all of you..

Mom and dad.....

Downtown Charleston

Hey,  I just found my camera cord to upload these pictures from our trip to Charleston with the kids last year. Thought you would enjoy them.