I am not skilled to understand....

That's one of my favorite lines from a Christian song. Six small words with such powerful meaning. So much in my life I do not understand, yet I know that God has a plan. It may not be MY plan, but it is HIS and that's all that matters.

I can't understand why a blogger friend is dealing with the pain of watching her sweet 5 month old son deal with a heart condition. But I hold faith in knowing that God is in control of the situation and HIS will will be done.

I can't understand why a friend's uncle was in such a horrific car accident and sustained the number of injuries that he has. Yet I know that God is the Ultimate Physician and will heal all of David's injuries.

I can't understand why a friend's daughter suddenly developed epilepsy. Why that same friend has experienced 2 horrible miscarriages within MONTHS of one another. Why her business hasn't taken off & been prosperous for her & her hubby. But I know that God has a plan for them & this is all a part of His plan. His love is never-ending.

We may not always understand God's plan, but we need to remember that He DOES have a plan. We just need to be open to it & to the fact that it may not be what WE want, but it's probably what we NEED.

Many blessings to you,
Allison

Modesty, battering & tweens

A few weeks ago, Kohl's announced that Britney Spears was to be the new spokeperson for Candie's brand. As a Christian mother of a pre-teen girl (I'm sorry, TWEEN) I had to admit, I was VERY disappointed. Granted, I'm not a huge Kohl's shopper, but I know many families who are. What I can say is that Britney Spears does NOT embody the role model that I want for my children. So, I've opted to boycott Kohl's.

Where's a mother to go for great clothes, yet still maintaining modesty? One word: TARGET! This is the 2nd season that we have had tremendous luck at Target. The clothes are SUPER cute, priced right AND appropriately modest (without looking like a nun).

Switching topics.... how do you talk to your child/children about current affairs that you think are relevant to their lives? I've been trying to broach the Rhianna/Chris Brown topic with my children, but how do you build up to that conversation? I want Chelsea to know that a man who lays a hand on her does not respect her and does NOT deserve a 2nd chance. And I want Justin to know that he should treat any girl the way he would treat me - with respect. I'm not even sure they know who Rhianna & Chris Brown are... I'll figure it out.

Many blessings,
Allison

P.S. Please keep praying for Stellan

Road trippin'

In just 7 days we will be packing up the minivan and heading north for Spring Break! We're all really excited about the trip. It's been about a year and a half since we've been up to NJ - didn't realize that we would actually 'miss' visiting.

Of course, it's never enough to time squeeze everyone in. There are so many people that we want to visit with and I fear not being able to. Only time will tell.

Driving up should be interesting - to say the least. Pablo will be going to the puppy hotel (poor guy hates to go. He hates to travel.). We do the trip in shifts. Day 1, we'll drive to VA and spend the night. Day 2, we arrive in NJ.

I'm hoping to take LOTS of pictures, especially with family. It's going to be a jam-packed visit. I think we've got something scheduled every day we're there. (Hopefully I'll be able to catch a nap or 7).

My only concern is church. We'll be there for Palm Sunday and not sure what church to go to. I don't want to play hooky; I love Palm Sunday. All the great praise anthems! Brings me back to my childhood growing up in an ELCA Lutheran Church.

Enough about that. It'll be great to get away and visit. Seeing people that we haven't seen in a while (some we haven't seen for 2 years).

I'll keep you updated.

Many blessings,
Allison

P.S. Please, please, please pray for Stellan.

So much of nothing to say

Sitting here, contemplating what I will blog about. There's SO much I want to say, but then again, so much I don't.

Tomorrow will mark the 1 year anniversary of my miscarriage. I honestly would have thought it would have been passed over without a thought. Instead, its on my mind. My child would have been 3 months old. The child who is no more. The child who never really was. I still mourn for that child; I guess I always will. I wonder, will it get easier? I love you dear Kaelin.

Life has been hectic since spring is here... well, not officially, but baseball season is upon us. Practice 3 nights a week, games & tournaments. Wow! Didn't realize what we signed up for. But Justin is having so much fun and that makes it all worthwhile.

Church is bringing upon so many changes in our life. Craig will be moving up to high school with his boys as of the summer. Chelsea will be moving up to middle school. I have decided to take a step back from a few of my 'things' and volunteer in a new way. I'll be working with 4th grade girls as a small group leader. I hope I'm ready for it.

So much chaos & turmoil surrounds us. Friends are losing jobs; a friend's child suffered a seizure. Yet, I still have the peace of God that He will see us all through these tough times. Reminds me of a song by Casting Crowns:

Praise You In This Storm(c)

I’ll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
Every tear I’ve cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

Often, we cry out for His help during the tough times. But how amazing it would be just to continue to praise Him. Resting in the knowledge that He loves us & He is watching over us. We may not understand the 'whys' of our situation, but He does. He will see us through it.

Many blessings,
Allison

In the midst of my Father

I tend to be a person who expresses themselves through music. Especially when it comes to my faith. Showing my Heavenly Father just how much I love him without worrying about others around me.

Thursday night was just that time. Our church, Browns Bridge Community Church, did a Night of Worship; music, prayer & communion. I love my church - each Sunday I get fed. There's never any doubt that the Holy Spirit is in that place. But Thursday, that was just awe inspiring.

The music was outstanding. Typical of our church, but kicked up a few levels. Having the opportunity to pray with others around me for specific topics - that's new to the church. Gathering in small groups and just praying for the community, the church, & the country.

Tyler Reagin, works at the church, spoke and his words, while simple, were just SO on point. God isn't just something, He's EVERYTHING. He sent his Son to die for us - not because we are something, we're His EVERYTHING! Really put things into perspective for me.

To see hundreds of people taking communion together, most in tears & humbled in the presence of God. I had my own moment that night; a moment that brought me to tears. One that made me reevaluate my life and recommit to it.

Then to worship again - arms stretched out to God. You could feel His Spirit in that place. There was a heaviness yet you didn't feel oppressed by it... it was freeing. Just worshiping Him and thanking Him. Words alone just cannot describe it.

Friends, if you get the chance & you're in the Atlanta area for Easter, the next Night of Worship is April 10th. It's an event that you DON'T want to miss. Bring the kids, your neighbors or family. Go alone. I promise you will not be disappointed.

Many blessings,
Allison