Hunting Island, SC

Friday Matthew and I and a group of great friends went to Hunting Island, SC for a camp trip. I have never been here before. It is such a beautiful island. I hope to someday return.

Matthew caught at least 7 crabs and name them all Larry. Not quite sure why.











The light house was beautiful! We walked the 175 steps to the top, and it was so worth it!!


The beach was pretty cold with the wind blowing, but Matthew still wanted to walk in the water... he's such a boy!
I LOVE palm trees and this island was covered in them!!

Here is Matthew eating up the sunshine at the marshlands.
Here is some beautiful church ruins we stopped at on our way home.
I probably took over 300 pictures on this 3 day trip, but it was just so beautiful and fun. It was so hard to put together this post because I wanted to post them all.

Just Stopping By

Hi Friends, I'm going on a short vacation, and am so looking forward to the rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation.
Me, Matthew, and some friends are heading to Hunting Island, SC for some fun in the sun and some camping.
I'll post some pictures when I return.
Thanks for all your prayers and words of encouragement regarding my last post. God is good, and I truly believe He is going to use this weekend to bless me and Matthew and give us some much needed good times together.

Singletonville 'The Hard Days'

Okay, 3 times I have typed something. 3 times I have deleted what I typed. All times I tried to type something that maybe could sound intelligent, or balanced, or spiritual, and I'm not there today. Today was hard. Yesterday was hard. Lately, I've really felt like I just need some help, I don't know what exactly that would look like, but that has been my hearts cry: 'God will you please help me?' Parenting is hard! Parenting alone is hard! I feel like I can't catch up to where my son is at. He's 9 going on 20, and the responsibility is on me. Right now I don't know what I'm doing.
Can I just confess that I worry that I will become one of those woman with a constant scowl on her face, with frown marks, and a constant harsh voice; one of those woman that people say-- yeah, you can really tell that she's had a hard life.
I want to be light and happy, one of those woman that brings light into a room when she enters, but right now I have to be the disciplinary. I have to be the strong independent woman... when I've honestly been okay with being the house wife, that was vulnerable, and in need of a big strong man, but today I have to wear the pants, and I'm sorry, but I'm not happy with that. Today, I'm mad at the evil in this world, and the expectations that it tries to place on me. I don't want to be defined as a 'single mom' and I know that I am so much more then that, and that God has been so good to me, but today, I just need a little extra grace, and maybe to be carried just for a little bit, and then I'll walk it out............ Promise.

The Diary Of Our Cat Luke

Day 983 of my captivity...

My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects.
They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nugget. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength. The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape.
In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.
Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a 'good little hunter' I am.
There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of 'allergies.' I must learn what this means and how to use it to my advantage.
Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow -- but at the top of the stairs.
I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches.The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released - and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded.
The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicating with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now.................

(This was sent to me from my friend Jennifer Benson, I'm not sure who 'really' wrote this, but I know I will never look at my cat the same again!)

What's Been on My Mind This Week?

This question was asked in another blog that I read, and really helped me to digest my thoughts. So I decided to copy those here.

My List:
-teaching this Thursday about Self Confidence vs. God Confidence

-my upcoming camping trip to Hunting Island, SC

-my trip with my Mom out West in May

-taking my thoughts captive, and not being consumed with wanting a husband

-the way the Lord loves me

-being positive and not thinking negatively

-the beautiful weather, and how thankful I am for Spring!!

-wanting to be free to teach the way God wants me to even though I don't fit a mold, well, I guess I fit His and that's all that matters!.. FREEDOM!

-getting my son the Superheroes Bible, and a book light

Let me know what's been on your mind this week, and feel free to go over to Theresa and tell her too.

By His Side

Today I choose to not strive, but to rest in the Lord. I'm tired of fighting against this season when there's so much beauty here if I'll only look up. He's here and He's all I need.

He is truly right by my side, and there's no better place to be.

Can anyone relate?

Thursday Matthew was sick, and Friday I only worked 5 hours because he still was not feeling good. Then we had the weekend, and now today we are snowed in. (Please see my previous post for proof.)
My heart is to be a Mom, first and foremost. I day dream about the day that I don't have to be at a job Monday through Friday. A day when maybe I can be that Mom that has lunch with her son at school once a week, or comes and helps in the classroom. Maybe even the kind of Mom that could at least give home school a try, plant a garden, and cook a good home cooked meal at night.
God helps me everyday with the kind of Mom that I have to be right now. He is the one that gives me energy to get through my work day and then come home and take care of Matthew and our home. He is the one that gives me wisdom on how to manage the money He provides, and grace to keep on going during the hard weeks... and they do come sometimes, but then sometimes I get a taste of being 'at home'... like the last 5 days, and it totally stresses me out. I'm wondering if anyone out there can relate. I think I get stressed out because I want to make the best out of it,, and who knows.. maybe if I am 'perfect-time-managing-stay-at-home- mom' then God will grant it to me, but then I don't end up enjoying it. Someone please tell me that I'm not a complete spaz? I mean, don't get me wrong, we've really had a good time. I enjoyed actually getting to take a nap on Thursday, the house is clean, I painted a painting on Sunday, and today we walked to the park and went sledding. I guess the stress hits me when all is done, Matthew's occupied with his friends, and I don't have anything 'to do'. Man, I guess I just really need to learn to RELAX!!
I think I'll grab a book, curl up on the couch, and just chill....... and that's okay... right?

Winter Finally Hits in March

I went to church this morning with just a sweater on. When I left it was pouring down rain and then:


This weather is truly unpredictable!
It's still coming down, and looks like it's at least 3 inches right now. All the kids in the neighborhood are so excited. Unfortunately there are no sleds to be found, and the boogie boards I pulled out of the closet simply don't work as well. I'm sure the kids will figure something out.

We'll see if it all isn't melted away by tomorrow. For the kid's sake I hope not.