Let Me Be A Daffodil

My prayer today is "Lord make me a daffodil". Before you call 911 let me explain. I love daffodils for so many reasons. First and foremost they tell me Spring is just around the corner. Which means SUMMER!!! Can I get an Amen?!? But what I have noticed ckabout this hardy yellow flower, is you never know where it will pop up. Some are in beautifully maintained gardens, some grow in a cow field! And what about all the ones growing in long abandoned yards? I don't want to be the Christian or friend that only blooms in my nice garden. What if He wants me at the old run down house that no one pays attention to? Or what about the cow field?!? Lord, give me grace to bloom where you plant me. A funny thing about daffodils, you rarely see on single plant with one single bloom. They are surrounded by their friends. I am blessed to have lots of blooms in my circle. Some may be blooming fools, but they are mine and I love every one of them. So yes Lord, make me a daffodil. Let me bloom in whatever season or place in life that You put me in. And keep putting all the beautiful flowers (FRIENDS) in my life.

Grace and Mercy and Yoga pants and Pie

Well, we just celebrated our first Thanksgiving in our new home! Was it all that I had dreamed of? No...but this is what it was. REAL and TRUE and US. Sometimes we set our selves up for such tremendous disappointment when we spend to much time on social media. I can't be the only one that doesn't have the perfect holiday deocorations (or any for that matter). Our society tells us that everyone else has it together and we are utter failures. I can't imagine planning a wedding or baby in this Pinterest saturated world we live in. What social media does not tell us is all those perfect images are NOT REAL. Yes, some are true, but I would venture to say that even the most "put together" family pic had some epic fails and tears. Is it worth it? YES, but this life requires grace and mercy. My daughter told me about going to eat by herself (not unusual when you are single and live on your own) on some commercially significant holiday. She is never self conscious about this, but this particular time she felt like she should announce "No, I am not an orphan and I do love my Mother, but we are not about traditions!" What we are is REAL. So, what I am saying is MAKE YOUR OWN TRADITIONS. They may not make sense to anyone but you, but they will be treasured. I would post pictures of our Thanksgiving feast, but we didn't take a single one. That is one thing I am going to work on for next time. But today I am going to wear my new yoga pants and eat pie. GRACE and MERCY people! My two words for 2016 and I have just decided to carry them over to 2017!

A lesson in grace and endurance

I hope all of these random thoughts in my head come out in some sort of order...
Have you ever heard a story and thought "that will never happen to me!" I hope for your sake that you didn't actually say it. But if you did, hold on because you will hear those words over and over. At least that is what happened to me. I specifically remember that moment. A local gospel singing group was at our church. One of the ladies teared up and said "pray for my son. He is sitting in jail facing drug charges. And pray even harder for your own kids. If you think it can't happen, let me tell you something. He got started down this dark path right up the street at Vilonia High School." My heart hurt for her, but I distinctly remember thinking "I'm so glad I don't have to worry about that. My girls are at church every time the doors open." And we were. Fast forward about 4 years. Looking back, I see signs of what was coming. Jori, my baby, was becoming more independent and always seemed to have one foot over the line. A very compassionate and caring teacher had called me about a month earlier. He was worried about Jori. He was seeing changes in her that were not good. He told me he was praying for her. (Step 1 that I know the lord was carrying us). February 9, 2012 she crossed that line. She had completely lost sight of who she was and she tried to take her life. As I rode in the front of that ambulance, I remembered my exact prayer that morning. "Lord, I give her back to you. Take care of her and no matter what it takes, bring her to a relationship with you." She made the decision that she needed inpatient treatment. She went to Bridgeway for 5 days. As gut wrenching as that was, we knew she wasn't healed. The Lord knew...In September 2012, she failed a random drug test at school...meth. She was sent to jeuvenile detention. I couldn't call her. All we could was pray. Again, He was faithful. The officer prayed with her. The next 3 years were up and down. Every single day I said "she belongs to you Lord". I'm going to be honest, it was a long time before I could pray "whatever it takes". It is still hard and I know how this turns out. I clung to lucid happy moments. I cried and agonized when I knew she was getting high. I begged and pleaded with God to deliver her. I read every book and blog about prodigal children that I could find. Through it all, the Lord sent people to lift us up and help carry the burden. I journaled every prayer and every victory and setback. I clung to Jeremiah 31:15-18. I knew she would be delivered, I just didn't know how or when. January 1,2016 at 4:20 am she started on the road to deliverance. That road began in the Faulkner County Jail with drug charges. I heard my singing friend saying "pray." I couldn't pray. I was numb and terrified. She had a calmness about her that told me, if the Lord didn't intervene she would not live. I was Moses when he couldn't hold his arms up anymore and the Lord sent His people to hold them up. I am eternally grateful for y'all. The story of how Jesus came to Jori is hers to tell. The story of her mommma and daddy praying and holding on until He got there is mine. These pictures sum it all up. I'm telling this in hopes that it will encourage someone to just hold on, JOY COMES IN THE MORNING!

New Beginnings!

So, in the words of my favorite blogger, Big Mamma, I not only forgot my blog password, I managed to forget the web address! Just shows how much I DON'T get on here! Well, hold on Ethel, because that is about to change! 😆
Do you want to know what has been happening in the Minnick family lately? I am sure yall have lost sleep over this, so here is the down and dirty version.
● I left SVI after almost 28 years! I'm such a job hopper.
●Took a job in Home Health at Arkansas Dept of Health. I will update yall more on that later. A great program I didn't even our state offered. And sadly now they don't have it anymore.
●Sold our house and land in Vilonia and moved to Drasco with Mom! We plan to build soon!
● Received a lovely email from the head of the Health Dept saying that he was eliminating the Home Health program. So, after 5 months I was looking for another job!
● God proved Himself even more faithful than I could have imagined. I am back in Infection Prevention working at Baptist Medical Center in Heber Springs! 10 minute drive from home! Part time! So I can have time to do farm stuff!

Did I mention that God is faithful!

A Fathers Hands

It is said that the eyes are the gateway to our soul. And I would have agreed with that until about a month ago. Daddy was sick and in the hospital. He had become so weak from that stupid cancer, that he was not able to scoot up in the bed. When the nurses aides came in to help him, one of the ladies said "Look at his hands! He is a big strong man." I thought of all the places those hands have been. Tender enough to hold a newborn baby, yet strong enough to fight for our country. Soft enough to hold my Mom, yet strong enough to fight corruption and drug dealers. I watched Daddy rebuild old cars, take care of "the ugliest dog in the world" (Missy the wonder dog!), plant a garden, and cheer me on in whatever adventure I was embarking. On our way home from fishing all day (where he baited my hook EVERY time), we came up on a serious car accident. Daddy was one of the first people to reach the victims. Mom and I stayed in the truck. When the paramedics arrived, Daddy got back in the truck and said "That poor woman is gonna wake up and wonder why her mouth tastes like worm poop." Those hands that baited my hook had just saved a complete strangers life. His hands held mine at my wedding. He placed my hand in the hands of Sam. He held Jana Lee and Jori when they were just a few minutes old. He lived out his love for family, and by that example Sam is living it out in our family. I can't help but think of all that Jesus' hands did. The hands that were nailed to a cross for me and for Daddy. Because He did that, I know that one day my Daddy will hold my hand again. At the end of his life our roles changed. I held Daddy's hand and prayed over him. Those big, strong hands are resting with Jesus now. And I will forever be grateful that the last words he said to me were "I love you". I love you Daddy and I am looking forward to the day you take my hand and we walk the streets of Heaven.

Memories...

This weekend I had the privilege of celebrating the life of my great Uncle Bill Linton. He was one of my grandmothers (Mum) brothers. Uncle Bill was always a very unique individual. And as such, his memorial was unique. Friends and family gathered to share laughs and tears as we remembered his life. There were a few things that I took away from this time. He was 84 years and truly part of the greatest generation. He came from a generation that didn't believe in disposable or throwing away things (As Andy can attest!). I saw friends of his from his childhood. How amazing is that? One of his "new" friends had only know him about 50 years and spoke of many old memories as well as recent ones. He recalled fishing trips and funny stories. He told of taking Uncle Bill back to his favorite fishing spot in the last months of his life. They didn't fish, they just looked around and took it all in. I pray that when my time on earth is done that I will have friends like that. Perhaps more importantly, I hope that I will be that kind of friend. I watched my grandmother laugh and giggle with her brothers and sisters. I saw what true hospitality is like. Aunt Doris opened her home and everyone felt like they could stay forever. I saw the rose bush that I remembered from Great Grandma Linton's home. Grandma Linton has been in Heaven for over 20 years, but when I saw the rose bush and smelled that sweet smell, it was like being a little girl again. And Mum explained how I could take a cutting from that very bush and have my own piece of Grandma Linton's roses just by using a mason jar! And you better believe I am going to do just that! I watched people from all the different times of Uncle Bill's life come together and just share. A jewel of wisdom that I will treasure and remind myself of came from Aunt Georgia (Mum's sister). We were on our way to see Mum's new home and she made the comment that "We all make choices that we regret or are not the best, but no matter what we are family. Nothing can change that." Wise words to remember and live by. And the rainbow I saw on my way home...just like a smile from above.

Well, the most exciting part of today was...I GOT NEW JEANS!!! Yep, I'm pretty excited about that. If you saw my Facebook post last night, then you know I was whining that I need a makeover. Or as my good friend Janice said "I need a What-Not-To-Wear makeover"! I was down to one pair of "mom" jeans. And Mom jeans are just not as cool when you ARE the mom. Oh, and I ordered a FitBit. I have said for years that if I just had one of those arm thingies like they have on The Biggest Loser then I would automatically lose weight. I'll let you know how this works out.


Some things The Lord is teaching me:

*Trust...in His timing, in His will, in all aspects of my life. Not gonna lie, this is tough. I am a "fixer". When someone shares a problem with me, I am about 3 steps ahead trying to make it right. It's not always my job to fix things OR people.

*Don't be quick to judge. This one is hard to admit that I still struggle with. I like to come across as open minded and always seeing the good, but I know for a fact that I have missed out on some great moments because I was quick to decide that something wasn't for me. Lord, let me see with your eyes.


There are many others, but since I flat out admitted that I am stumbling over these I think I will concentrate on these two.
Specific prayer needs:

1. Angela ~ the doctors only know what our Father shows them. I am believing that He will show them what COMPLETE healing looks like!
2. Daddy ~ he is continuing Chemo and has scans next week.
3. Jana Lee ~ Order her steps and prepare the hearts of everyone she will come in contact with in Zambia
4. Me ~ He knows my hearts desires.

Good night, sleep tight, don't let the bed bugs bite! (that last part is really gross!)

Random thoughts of a momma

There are so many things just flying though my head. It kind of reminds me of one of those old school video games, lights and pings going all over. Today is the funeral of a young man that I only knew through his job at Fred's. Why cant I get him off my heart? Maybe because I say that I will miss seeing him. Or could it be regrets that once again I am left to wonder "did I do all that I could/should have to reach out to him". Or is it empathy for his parents who have to go on without him? Maybe I am scared that one day that will be me...Have I REALLY shown my people how much I love them? Or am I so busy worrying and stressing that I forget to embrace each moment of every day? I always have such great intentions, but I have trouble actually following through. Anyone else feel that way? I want to do great things, but some days I just get through. I want to have a "bucket list". Sometimes getting to the end of the day is enough. But I want more! I want more time, more motivation, less fear of failure. So many things I wish I could do over...regrets. But you know what? Today is a brand new day! I am alive, I am a daughter of the King, my family is safe, I have my home, I have a job that I love and by golly I am going to make the most of this! Lamentations 3:22-24 New Living Translation (NLT) 22 The faithful love of the Lord never ends![a] His mercies never cease. 23 Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. 24 I say to myself, “The Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!” He is true to His promises. I WILL hold on to that secret promise He has given me. Waiting and watching...

I've been thinking about the Soaring Wings Half Marathon a lot. I have asked myself "why in the world do you think a fat, 50 year old woman who has NEVER done anything sporty. would be able to suddenly do a half marathon?!?" Well, here is why. It is something that I have actually wanted to do for a very long time. But, I am notorious for "wanting" to do something and when it actually comes down to it, I'm like "Eeeh I would rather just sit here and creep around on Facebook". Just being honest here. My "running career" started back in 1980 when I was actually in pretty good shape. I decided to run to my BFF's house about 3 miles away. I was going to say it was 13.1 miles away, but then I remembered the honest comment. :) About half way there I was chased by dang dogs! Not to mention that the road from my house to hers wasn't paved yet. I make it to her house and minor detail, I forgot to tell her I was coming so she was just leaving. I'm pretty sure it was a hot date, because remember this was 1980 and we were HOTTIES! Well, what's a girl to do? I turned around and headed back to my house. Remember that dirt road? I was running along minding my own business and I see this guy coming towards me. Woo Hoo another crazy person running in the middle of nowhere in the crazy Texas summer heat! When he was about 100 yards from me, something hits my head. I look up and it is a psycho blue jay dive bombing me! I start screaming (a perfectly normal reaction by any 17 year old girl) and flailing my arms. The darn thing wont leave me alone! I end up rolling around in the ditch trying to get away from this demon possessed bird. When I finally got myself together and crawled back to the road, here comes the other runner. And of course he never saw that spawn of satan bird. Just gave me one of "those" looks. So, yea that was the beginning and end of my running career. I haven't really wanted to do any running/walking since then. But then I met John Allison. What an inspiration! But the real clincher was when he showed the 121 students the Marine Corp Marathon medal. OMG I had medal envy! But that's all it was, envy. No action. But that medal has been in the back of my mind for a couple of years. Fast forward to Faulkner County Relay for Life. For a donation to American Cancer Society I could walk 29 laps around the expo center and GET A MEDAL!!! Woo Hoo, sign me up I said. And I did it in flip flops. And I met another very wise and kind person Jackie Pollard. She didn't know me from Adam. What she should have seen was a fat almost 50 year old woman, but what she actually saw was potential. Sometimes it takes the kind words of a stranger to get you moving! So here I am. I have been thinking about this medal obsession a lot. How many of us are willing to work so hard for rewards and medals here on earth, but hardly give a second thought to Heavenly rewards? Before anyone corrects me, I KNOW it isn't all about the jewels and crowns, but I really want to be able to lay my crown/medal at the feet of Jesus. So, see this half marathon is about way more than just running/walking and the medals. In my heart it is even more than the money and awareness raised for Soaring Wings (which is HUGE). It's about doing something just because someone believed in me. All of life should be that way, after all, our Father believed in us enough to send His Son to die for me. So, that is all I have to say about that.

TA DA!!! Two blogs in less than 2 weeks! Yep, I am on a roll...Part of what I have loved about this Thanksgiving break is mindless TV watching. I am one of  those people who likes to have the TV on for the noise and then somehow get sucked into watching whatever it is on. When the girls were younger it usually culminated in a "Cat/Dog" or "Gulla Gulla Island" marathon. Now that they are grown and Sam is usually in charge of the remote I have been known to watch an ENTIRE golf tournament! Or every NFL football game on that weekend. OK, I use the term "watch" rather loosely...I admit quite a few naps have occurred.
And that is exactly what happened on Saturday as I was STILL recovering from the 13 hour Black Friday Shopping Extravaganza. This time I was completely taken in by "Boy Meets World". I remember watching this when it was on network TV. So obviously I know how the story goes. But when Cory broke Topanga's heart with that Snow Bunny Lauren, I found myself feeling so bad for Topanga. I may or may not have even voiced my aggravation with Cory...at which time daughter #1, being the smart college kid that she is very gently reminded me that they work it out because they end up married!
I find myself doing that with real life to. I know that the struggles of this world are temporary. I find myself doubting if God is really in control of a particular situation. I worry and stress myself out and try to handle things on my own. But the minute I turn to Him I know His peace and assurance. The situation may not look any different on the outside, but I am different because I KNOW HOW THE STORY ENDS!

John 16:33 

³³ I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

I seem to have a love/hate relationship with change...I LOVE new beginnings but I HATE change. How can this be? I am one of "those" people who actually don't mind Monday mornings. It's a brand new week! I am always full of ideas and plans on Monday...new diet, run a marathon or at least a half, clean house. And now for anyone that knows me very well, you know these things have yet to happen! Although, I did have the honor of being a cheerleader for The Soaring Wings 1/2 Marathon. And what an incredible blessing that was! But I will share that another time. Did I mention that I seem to have trouble staying on task lately? Oh look, pretty flower...OK back to change and new beginnings. Change is hard, it usually means that something we are comfortable with will be no more. I have to remind myself that not all change is bad. It may be painful and scary at first, but the times I have allowed the Lord to guide me and show me what it is that He is accomplishing prove that the "new" is just as beautiful if not more so than the beginning. What if I had somehow frozen time when the girls and Sam and I were so young? Then I would never know the amazing young women that Jana Lee and Jori have become. And I wouldn't know what it is to spend almost half my life with a man that loves more me today than he did the day we married. So, maybe I will work on decreasing the "hate" part of change. :)
HAPPY MONDAY!!!

Lamentations 3:22-24

New Living Translation (NLT)

²² The faithful love of the Lord never ends!^[a]
    His mercies never cease.
²³ Great is his faithfulness;
    his mercies begin afresh each morning.
²⁴ I say to myself, “The Lord is my inheritance;
    therefore, I will hope in him!”

From the eyes of Lil P!

Meet Lil P! She is our precious Brussels Griffon. And she is somewhat of a diva. But she is also a tool of the Lord. Yesterday we had our first snow of the year (YUCK!). When your belly is only 4 inches from the ground, three inches of snow can present a real problem! Lil P needed to go outside to take care of business. She is so happy when she wakes up in the morning. Prancing around excited to see what new smells had been deposited overnight. I knew the snow was going to be shock to her little system! I opened the door and she RAN as fast as she could to go out. SCREEEEEECH! Put on the brakes and back it up. She took one look at the snow covered porch and said "No way am I going out there! Are you kidding me?!?" What she couldn't see was that the snow was only on the porch and grass. There were plenty of snowless places. So, I picked her up and carried to a clear spot. When she was done she looked at me like "thank you Mom, wanna carry me back in where it is warm now?" I could have stayed inside where it was warm and dry and made her tromp through the snow to the dry spot, but instead I picked her up and showed her where to go. She didn't want to go, even with me carrying her. But I could see the big picture and knew that she would be safe in my arms from the dreaded wet cold. How many times do we do that with the Father? All we see is the stress, heartache, and dreariness? When all we have to do is let Him carry us? We tromp through all the yuckiness of life and sometimes we find the dry spot, but if we would only look to Him our bellies would stay dry. Just some thoughts from Lil P.