Once there were three trees on a hill in the woods. They were discussing their hopes and dreams when the first tree said, "Someday I hope to be a great treasure chest. I could be filled with gold, silver and precious gems. I could be decorated with an intricate carving and everyone would see the beauty." Then the second tree said, "Someday I will be a mighty ship. I will take Kings and Queens across the waters and sail to the corners of the world. People will feel safe in me because of the strength of my hull." Finally the third tree said, "I want to grow to be the tallest and straightest tree in the forest. People will see me on top of the hill, look up to my branches, and think of the heavens and God and how close to them I am reaching. I will be the greatest tree of all time and people will always remember me." After a few years of praying that their dreams would come true, a group of woodsmen came upon the trees. When one came to the first tree he said, "This looks like a strong tree, I think I should be able to sell the wood to a carpenter" and he began cutting it down. The tree was happy, because he knew the carpenter would make him into a treasure chest. At the second tree the woodsman said, "This looks like a strong tree. I will be able to sell it to the shipyard." When the woodsmen came upon the third tree, the tree was frightened because he knew that if they cut him down his dreams would not come true. One of the men said, "I don't need anything special from my tree, I'll take this one," and he cut it down. When the first tree arrived at the carpenters, he was made into a feed box for animals. He was then placed in a barn and filled with hay. This was not at all what he had prayed for. The second tree was cut and made into a small fishing boat. His dreams of being a mighty ship and carrying Kings had come to an end. The third tree was cut into large pieces, and left alone in the dark. The years went by, and the trees forgot about their dreams. Then one day, a man and woman came to the barn. She gave birth and they placed the baby in the hay in the feed box that was made from the first tree. The man wished that he could have made a crib for the baby, but this manger would have to do. The tree could feel the importance of this event and knew that it had held the greatest treasure of all time. Years later, a group of men got in the fishing boat made from the second tree. One of them was tired and went to sleep. While they were out on the water, a great storm arose and the tree didn't think it was strong enough to keep the men safe. The men woke the sleeping man, and he stood and said "Peace" and the storm stopped. At this time,the tree knew that it had carried the King of Kings in its boat. Finally, someone came and got the third tree. It was carried through the streets as the people mocked the man who was carrying it. When they came to a stop, the man was nailed to the tree and raised in the air to die at the top of a hill. When Sunday came, the tree came to realize that it was strong enough to stand at the top of the hill and be as close to God as was possible, because Jesus had been crucified on it.
The second tree was happy because he knew he was on his way to becoming a mighty ship.
The moral of this story is that when things don't seem to be going your way, always know that God has a plan for you. If you place your trust in Him, God will give you great gifts.
Each of the trees got what they wanted, just not in the way they had imagined.
We don't always know what God's plans are for us. We just know that His Ways are not our ways, but His ways are always best.
| Three Trees |
| Happy Mother's Day Mama May 9, 2010 |
| Mother's Day May 9, 2010 |
Forever loving and missing my boys...I sure wish you were here.
Love, Mama
| Wayne and Buck 5/8/2010 |
What Makes a Mother?
What Makes A Mother
I thought of you and closed my eyes
And prayed to God today,
I asked, "What makes a Mother?"
And I know I heard him say:
A Mother has a baby,
This we know is true
But, God, can you be a mother
When your baby's not with you?
Yes, you can, he replied
With confidence in his voice,
I give many women babies,
When they leave it is not their choice.
Some I send for a lifetime,
And others for the day,
And some I send to feel your womb,
But there's no need to stay.
I just don't understand this God,
I want my baby here.
He took a breath,
and cleared his throat,
And then I saw a tear.
I wish I could show you,
What your child is doing Here...
If you could see your child smile
With other children and say,
"We go to earth to learn our lessons
of love and life and fear,
but My mommy loved me so much
I got to come straight here!"
I feel so lucky to have a Mom
who had so much love for me,
I learned my lessons very quickly,
My Mommy set me free.
I miss my Mommy oh so much
But I visit her each day.
When she goes to sleep,
On her pillow is where I lay.
I stroke her hair and kiss her cheek,
And whisper in her ear,
"Mommy, Please don't be sad today,
I'm your baby and I am here"
So you see my dear sweet one,
Your children are okay.
Your babies are here in My home,
And this is where they'll stay.
They'll wait for you with Me,
Until your lessons there are through,
And on the day that you come home,
they'll be at the gates waiting for you
So now you see
What makes a Mother,
It's the feeling in your heart,
It's the love you had so much of
Right from the very start.
Author Unknown
In loving memory of my sweet Wayne and Buck. Today was your actual due date 24 years ago but you came too early on Jan. 26,1986 and did not survive. I love you and miss you so much.
Love, Mama
| It's been 7 years today. 5/6/2010 |
B.J. it's been 7 years ago today since you had your kidney transplant. When Dad gave you his kidney he wanted so much for it to make you well...we all did. No matter how much times goes by I still have such a hard time believing you're really not coming back yet I know you're not and I can't stand it. I miss you so much. It wasn't suppose to turn out like this.
I love you, Mama
| Memories...4/30/2003 |
I think there are some things that I'm just never going to handle well. Your Dad went to the doctor this week for his checkup and they said his blood pressure was up some and they want him to check it twice a week for a while to watch it. So...that means we had to bring out your blood pressure monitor. I didn't much like the idea but it's needed so I was ok with it...I thought. I run to the store and buy new batteries for it and get it ready...and then it hits me. We bought that for you B.J. after you had your transplant (7 years ago next week). It's still almost new as for as use. I'm angry! I don't want you sick B.J. but I want you here. It's been too long and it's not fair. I miss you so much.
Love, Mama
| Johnathan's 1st Baseball Game 4/29/2003 |
Well boys your little brother played his first game and the other team won 3-1 but it sure was fun watching them play. Doesn't Johnathan look so cute in his little uniform?
Love, Mama
| Your little brother...4/26/2010 |
Well your little brother played his first scrimage in baseball today against the other Goldthwaite team. The other team won but it was sure a lot of fun to watch. I hope you were watching him play...I sure wish you were here. His first real game is this Thursday the 29th and he'll be playing against the same team again.
Love, Mama
| LaLa |
| The Train |
Oh Buddy the two engine train that came by during Johnathan's baseball practice today was great! I know you were letting us know you were there to watch him...thank you.
He's got his uniform now...he's playing for the White Sox team. I'm leaving you a picture of him here. His first game is Saturday morning...be sure and be there!
Love, Mama
| Johnathan's target practice...4/12/2010 |
Boys I spent time outside this evening raking old pecans out of the yard. Your little brother decided to prove he is already a true "Outlaw". He was on top of an old refrigerator on the back porch shooting at the pecans "I" was raking up with his BB Gun. That silly boy...he keeps my life interesting to say the least. It was nice being outside and thank goodness he didn't miss his targets and get me. 
Of course I threatened him but that's beside the point.
I know you three were probably watching and having a great time laughing...you're little brother is a nut! But I love him just like I love all three of yall.
Love, Mama
| It's still ok to laugh |
I know life isn't always as grand as we would like it to be, but it does not change the fact that we can still celebrate the things we have experienced in life. This morning after Luthien woke up I wanted to spend a little more time with him. All of a sudden the song Father Abraham popped into my head. I started singing and soon after Sean joined in and soon we were all dancing to a silly kids song. It brought back so many memories and I had to laugh. I know you are not with us anymore but we can still rejoice in the life that you did have, and in a way you still have. My mind went back to the time when you were about 13 years old and you had tried to jump rope. You had never gotten the hang of it but you were very determined. You had it down for about 6 seconds before you lost control and bam, you faceplanted into the carpet. It was so funny and still thinking about it makes me laugh. Of course you werent hurt or anything so no worries there. I do miss you so much, but it makes me happy that I still can smile when I think about you and the life you had that still has an impact on so many to this day.
| Happy Easter 2010 |
In Loving Memory of
B.J., Wayne and Buck
Happy Easter boys,
Jesus died so you may live in
His everlasting glory until we
are reunited again forever!
Loving and missing you always,
Mama and Daddy
| Your Memory Garden 3/23/2010 |
Johnathan began working on a memory garden for you yesterday B.J. Here's a picture of what it looks like so far. He made a cross and then he nailed wood together as a "P" and hung it on the cross. He said it stands for Peace.
Love Mama
| All my beautiful children... |
| Broken Heart |
Buddy I got this heart at our support meeting last month. It tells of the things we need in order for our hearts to heal. The one in the middle called Support is suppose to be the support I get. It's true I've needed support many times but now I see it as me giving Support to others that are hurting. LaFreda told me I wasn't suppose to cover the hole in my heart because we would always have a hole...but I told her no...by me reaching out to others is helping to cover that hole. No it will never be completely healed but it is covered so therefore the pain is easier to bare.
I love you and miss you so much, Mama
| Happy 27th Birthday Amanda! 3/3/03 |
Love your little brothers, B.J., Wayne and Buck
| Tommie and Ryan's Wedding 2/24/2010 |
Well Buddy, I went to Tommie's wedding and she sure made a beautiful bride. I know you would have been proud. Oh but B.J. it was so hard for me to be there. While I sat there waiting for it to start the tears started. All I could think is...you should have been there! Finally I turned around to Sister Mullins and told her to pray for me...then I lost it. She came and sat with me and prayed for me. I'm so glad she did...I didn't think I was going to be able to stay. After she prayed though a peace settled on me and I was able to enjoy it ok. I still wish you could have been there though.
Love you forever, Mama
| Our Coming Home Service @ Church 2/21/10 |
Oh and Sinjin and Lorna and John got to come!!! Yea for that! Sinjin had a great time and it was so good to see him enjoying himself! Oh the Lords good!