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A Very Special Day

Today is such a special day for our little family.  Just 4 days before his 7th birthday, Myles told me tonight - right after I told him it was time for bed - that he wanted to ask Jesus to come into his heart!!!!  We sat on his bed and he took my hands in his and - after thanking God that his Grandpa is out of the hospital - he asked Jesus to live in his heart!!!


As many in church will notice, Myles has been taking communion for a while now.  Those that don't go to our church probably don't know that we don't have a "set" age when people can take communion.  As long as you profess to have Jesus as your personal Savior - you can take communion in our church.  


I had talked to Myles about this before he ever started taking communion and he said "I did that with Mama Jean!" ((his babysitter/teacher/other mother)).  I didn't want to doubt him, so I let him take communion.  I made sure to talk with him virtually every Sunday, talking him through what the bread and the cup represent.  He knew all the answers, which always made me feel good.


So, I don't know if he's actually done it before or not...but since I know he asked to pray with me tonight...I know it for sure now!!  I am so unbelievably proud of him and happy for him.  I know that his life is secure in the love of Christ!

But to all who have received Him - those who believe in His name - He has given the right to become children of God

John 1:12

30 Day Film Challenge - Day 30

Day 30 - Your Favorite Film This Time Last Year

I made it until the end!!!! 

This was another easy one.  I just googled all the films that were released in 2010 and this one popped right out at me.  And - it gave me an excuse to add these films in my list.  :)

Saved the best for last.



30 Day Film Challenge - Day 29

Day 29 - Your Favorite Film As A Kid

I was torn between two movies on this one - but I was able to file the other one, Wizard of Oz, under Day 7 - Film That Reminds You Of Your Past.

They have re-made this and although I kind of like the re-make...I love the original.



30 Day Film Challenge - Day 28

Day 28 - The Most Obscure Film You've Ever Seen

I don't watch a lot of obscure films.  I'm pretty mainstream in my movie choices - other than my horror movies.  I picked this movie because it was originally a Swedish horror movie and was a remake.  It only made about $12 million - so I'm guessing a lot of people have never seen it.  It wasn't bad.  A bit slow - but the cinematography was really good.



30 Day Film Challenge - Day 27

Day 27 - Your Favorite Independent Film

I honestly didn't know what consituted an independent film versus a regular film.  So, I googled "Independent Films" and just thought I'd see if I'd seen any of them.  Luckily, not only had I seen several of them, but one of my favorite movies was on the independent list. 

Great movie...and if you haven't seen it - a twist that you will never see coming.



30 Day Film Challenge - Day 26

Day 26 - Your Favorite Foreign Language Film

Like the Romantic and Documentary catagories, I don't watch a lot of foreign language movies.  I can actually only think of 2 movies I've watched over the past 10-15 years that are completely spoken in a foreign language...not just subtitles when the Hispanic or Japanese character comes on the screen.  One of them is The Passion of the Christ - which is an amazing movie - but it's not my favorite...probably because I ended up sobbing through the last half of the movie and I tend to watch movies to enjoy them...not to be distraught by the end of it.  So...the winner is...

Interestingly enough...both foreign language films that I have seen are Mel Gibson movies.  Just noticed that one...  Great film though. 



30 Day Film Challenge - Day 25

Day 25 - Your Favorite Documentary Film

I don't watch a lot of documentaries but I will watch just about anything having to do with nature or animals.  I absolutely love the National Geographic series that they have put out.  This was not a hard decision.

30 Day Film Challenge - Day 24

Day 24 - Your Favorite Animated or Children's Film

I was thinking that they had once again combined two genres into one catagory.  But, they have put that one little word "or" in there.  So, there is no reason to pick 2 movies for this one.  I just have to decide if I like my favorite animated movie more than my favorite children's movie or vice versa. 

Well, the animated movie won...



30 Day Film Challenge - Day 23

Day 23 - Your Favorite Thriller/Mystery Film

Again, like Day 21 - they have combined 2 genres into one catagory.  And, again, I will split it into two movies.  Thrillers and Mysterys are not the same thing so I think they should be treated separately.

Favorite Thriller

Like The Professional, I don't think a lot of people saw this movie.  I think this is one of Kurt Russell's best movies.  Also, it showcases the late J.T. Walsh.  An unbelievable actor that was known more by his face than his name.

Favorite Mystery

If you haven't seen this movie...you should.  Great movie with some great actors.  How many times do you get people like Robert Redford, Dan Aykroyd, Sidney Poitier and Ben Kingsley in the same movie.  Watch.It.Today.  You won't regret it.  :)





30 Day Film Challenge - Day 22

Day 22 - Your Favorite Horror Film

This one was a hard one for me.  I have seen a.l.o.t of horror movies.  Some great...a lot that weren't so great.  I have definite requirements for what makes a good horror movie.  I'm not into all the nudity that many horror film think they need to add, I'm not usually into a lot of gore.  I like a really suspensful movie that you just don't know what's going to happen next, when things jump out and scare the snot out of you.  Paranormal Activity was a really good movie like that.  


I thought about the first horror movie I ever saw - Nightmare on Elm Street - that really freaked me out...but I was only about 12 when I saw that one. 

This movie was the first one in a while that really freaked me out.  They are gory - don't get me wrong (and I don't usually like that) but it also really kept me on the edge of my seat.



30 Day Film Challenge - Day 21

Day 21 - Your Favorite Sci-Fi/Fantasy Film

Not really fair on this one.  Sci-Fi and Fantasy are two different things that, unfortunately, often get lumped into the same catagory.  So, because I can do this challenge however I want...((see Day 15))...I have decided to split this into two different catagories and list two different films.

Favorite Sci-Fi

Really...it's a no-brainer.

Favorite Fantasy



30 Day Film Challenge - Day 20

Day 20 - Your Favorite Romantic Film

Anyone that knows me will know that I am not not not a romantic movie type of gal.  I am much more of an action/thriller/horror type of person.  But, that being said...I really loved this movie.  When it came out I was hooked.  The love that the two main characters had was undeniable.  It's rare that there is such chemistry between two people on film.  



30 Day Film Challenge - Day 19

Day 19 - Your Favorite Action Film

Not a lot of people have seen this movie.  I mean, it's not unknown - but it's not a Die Hard or an Independence Day or something like that.

Unbelievable performances...it's not hard to see why Natalie Portman has gone on to have the career that she has.  I'd never heard of Jean Reno before this movie and his performance was understated and perfect.



30 Day Film Challenge - Day 18

Day 18 - Your Favorite Comedy Film

Easy Easy Easy one...I didn't even have to think twice about this one.  So funny!



30 Day Film Challenge - Day 17

Day 17 - Your Favorite Drama Film

Just because a film is my favorite doesn't mean I watch it all the time.  For example, Day 1 - my favorite movie - is Dead Poet's Society.  Definitely my favorite, but I can't watch it over and over.  It's too intense. 

The next few days are favorites...drama, action, comedy etc.  But, I haven't watched most of them but a few times.  But they obviously impacted me in some way that I rank them my favorites.



30 Day Film Challenge - Day 16

Day 16 - A Film You Used To Love, But Now Hate

Well, I don't exactly hate this movie...but I am definitely needing a break from this one.  I'm a bit tired of it.  I really can't think of any movies that I used to love but now hate.  If I love a movie - I love it...if I hate it - I hate it.  But I do get tired of them every now and then.  Jordan looooooves this movie - and the sequel...and the prequel.  She watches them at least once a month.  If the question "should we watch a dvd?" comes up she always suggests this movie.  :)  Gotta love her...but I need a break.



30 Day Film Challenge - Day 15

Day 15 - Favorite Musical (Previously, Film That Depicts Your Life)

Ok - I cheated this one time.  The actual topic for today was Film That Depicts Your Life - but I could not think of anything.  I tried and tried to think of something - but since I have yet to see a movie about a woman that goes to work everyday, takes kids to ball games and practices, shops at Wal-mart and goes to church...I decided to change the topic.  I thought that there needed to be a Favorite Musical category anyway...



30 Day Film Challenge - Day 14

Day 14 - The Film That No One Expected You To Like

I must start this by saying that people that really know me know that I love this movie.  But, if I was to just meet you...you would probably never think that I would love this movie so much.  It is just not me...it's not full of action, it's not that funny, I'm not sitting on the edge of my seat while I watch, and it is definitely not a horror movie.  That being said...I love it.



30 Day Film Challenge - Day 13

Day 13 - A Guilty Pleasure

In my opinion, a "guilty pleasure" is a movie that you secretly watch, but don't really want anyone to know about it.  :)  That's not really my problem - I'm not ashamed to say that I love this movie - but I probably don't shout it from the rooftops...which makes it my guilty pleasure.  It's '80s and it's cheesy - but I love it...



30 Day Film Challenge - Day 12

Day 12 - A Film By Your Least Favorite Director

Not a hard one today.  This guy is such a sleeze that I can proudly say that I haven't watched a single one of his movies.  Anyone that marries their long-time love's adopted daughter ((which is basically your daughter)) is just gross to me.

Woody Allen

30 Day Film Challenge - Day 11

Day 11 - A Film By Your Favorite Director

This one was easy for me.  Virtually everything this man puts out is quality work that I love. 

Steven Spielberg

Also easy for me is picking a movie to showcase here.  It's a great movie that didn't quite fit into any of my other categories.



30 Day Film Challenge - Day 10

Day 10 - A Film With Your Favorite Actor (Female)

Again, a hard choice.  This time was a little harder than the male one because so many movies are male-driven.  I love Sandra Bullock - but for this one I had to go with:

Ashley Judd!



30 Day Film Challenge - Day 9

Day 9 - A Film with Your Favorite Actor (Male)

While there are many actors that I like: Will Smith, Denzel Washington, Johnny Depp, Vin Diesel, etc.  There is one that I like virtually everything that he does.

Harrison Ford!!

This movie was a bit a change for him.  He wasn't the "hero", he wasn't a "nice guy"...he was cranky and grouchy but I loved it.  



30 Day Film Challenge - Day 8

Day 8 - The Film You Can Quote The Best

This was a hard one for me.  I'm not a big "movie quoter".  I know a line here and a line there from my favs but I'm more likely to quote something off a television show than a movie.  But, I can usually recognize quotes from this movie fairly easily.  It doesn't hurt that I love this movie!



30 Day Film Challenge - Day 7

Day 7 - A Film That Reminds You Of Your Past

When we were younger, before videos and dvd's and on-demand viewing, you pretty much had to wait until your favorite movie came on TV to watch it.  Thankfully, this movie came on every year and I love it still to this day.  It is also probably why I am terrified of even the thought of tornados.  :)



30 Day Film Challenge - Day 6

Day 6 - A Film That Reminds You of Somewhere

Thankfully, there is a good memory tied with this movie.  I'd hate to be reminded of a terrible place whenever I watch this movie because it is h.i.l.a.r.i.o.u.s!  I just introduced Jordan to this movie a few weeks ago and she absolutely loves it.

Terrance and I honeymooned in Gatlinburg, TN ((17 years ago!!--can you believe it?)).  Our little chalet was called Alpendorf and it was wonderful. 

It had two bedrooms and a sleeper sofa.  We swapped bedrooms about every night and one night ended up on the sleeper sofa watching movies that were left there by the owners.  I still remember Terrance waking up during this movie and wondering what the heck I was laughing so hard for. 

I can't say positively - but this was probably the scene I was laughing at.  It still cracks me up everytime I watch.



30 Day Film Challenge - Day 5

Day 5 - A Film That Reminds You Of Someone

My very first date was with a guy from my church in Ft. Smith named A.C.  I was only 15 so I wasn't technically allowed to date, so my sister and friend came along with us.  Yes, he tried the yawn trick to put his arm around me...and we laughed...but this movie holds a special little place in my heart.  The sparks weren't there for me and A.C. - it wasn't meant to be.  But, I always think about him when I watch this movie.



30 Day Film Challenge - Day 4

Day 4 - A Film You Watch To Feel Down

I wouldn't say I watch this to "feel down" - but sometimes you just need a good cry and this is my go-to movie for that.  I don't cry in the usual place that most people cry...when Julia Robert's character Shelby dies...it's when Sally Field's breaks down at the funeral.  When she loses it - I lose it...every.single.time.  It doesn't matter how many times I've seen it, I know when I need a movie to make me cry, this is it.

On the flip side...one thing I love about this movie is that it will have you crying one minute and laughing your butt off the next.  A good good movie.



30 Day Film Challenge - Day 3

Day 3 - A Film You Watch To Feel Good

For some reason, if this movie is on...I.Must.Watch.It.  It's somewhat embarrassing how much I enjoy this movie.  :)  I have seen this more times than some movies that I consider to be my favorites.  I should also admit that if I'm surfing the TV channels and I find competitive cheerleading on...I will watch that too.  I don't know why it is so fascinating to me - but I love it.  Haha!



30 Day Film Challenge - Day 2

Day 2 - Your Least Favorite Film

Another easy one.  This is, in my opinion, the dullest movie ever made.  I have been trying to watch those movies that people consider "classics" that I had never seen.  You know, those ones that people say, "you've never seen that??"  This is one of those movies.  It took me 4 days to watch it because I kept falling asleep.  Loooooooong stretches of nothing going on makes for a very dull movie.  Although, I must say, there are some iconic lines that people quote that come from this movie and it was nice to finally find the origins of the sayings such as: "I love the smell of napalm in the morning." and "The horror...The horror."

Here's a clip from the movie...don't let the clip fool you though.  This is one of the few exciting moments from the film.



30 Day Film Challenge - Day 1

I am going to attempt to post every day during the 30-Day Film Challenge.  Posting consistently is not my strong suit to say the least.  :)

Day 1 - Your Favorite Film

This one was an easy one...

I absolutely love love love this movie.  I'm not sure what it is exactly - but it is wonderful.  Below is my favorite scene of the whole thing.  Who's up for a "Barbaric YAWP!!!" 

Prayer FIRST...why didn't I think of that before???

I am sick...I hate being sick.  Especially since this is Easter weekend - my favorite weekend of the year.  Good Friday and Easter Sunday celebrating the Lord and His resurrection!  What is better than that??


I started feeling bad on Wednesday afternoon.  Just a little tickle in my throat that - by Thursday - was so sore it was painful to swallow.  Friday was not good.  So sore to swallow still and I was feeling really drained.  I managed to do a lot of nothing...which means I wasn't praying either...


This morning I woke up at around 3-ish am...and I had laid in bed until about midnight Friday night - so the lack of sleep wasn't helping a bit.  My throat hurt - if possible - even worse than Friday.  I could feel how swollen my glands were and was feeling really frustrated.  I got up and went to the kitchen for a glass of milk - hoping that would coat my throat some.  I reached for yet another sinus pill when I realized...I haven't asked God to take this pain away!!!  I've been reaching for the pills first - instead of God. 


I've always been bad about praying for myself.  For some reason, that doesn't come easily for me.  I will pray for the kids, for Terrance, for my family, friends - but rarely for myself.  I'm not sure why.   I guess I feel like I'm not deserving of asking for help myself.  It's stupid...I know.  I really need to get over that!


I got back in bed and prayed.  For God to take away the pain in my throat, to help me sleep and be rested for the weekend coming, to remember to go to Him first and to the drugs second.


I managed to fall back asleep fairly easily - which is an answer to prayer in itself...I usually just lay there after I've woken up.  I didn't wake up again until a little after 7 am - and...it's not cured...but it feels better than when I woke up at 3:00 am!  I actually feel like there's a little energy in me somewhere.


Prayer FIRST!!!

Mark 10:27

Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God; 

all things are possible with God."

Daybook:::January, 2011

Outside My Window... a little snow left on the ground from Thursday nights snow.  Thawing slowly and very very cold.  I am so ready for spring.

I Am Thankful For...  my family.  They are so supportive of each other in every aspect.  From being excited for each other - to lifting each other up when we're down...we are there for each other - and I know I am blessed to have such a family.

From The Kitchen... Nothing at the moment - the fridge is rather bare...I need to go shopping.  We are out of bread, eggs, bacon - you know - the necessities.

I Am Wearing... a black shirt and camo jammie pants.  A comfy outfit.

I Am Reading... re-reading some Elizabeth Gail books.  They bring back a lot of memories.

I Am Hoping... Myles' other front tooth to come out!  It is just barely hanging on.

I Am Hearing... Myles playing on the Wii and Terrance coaching him on how to fish.

Around The House... The ever-present laundry pile is growing.  It would probably help if I did some of it.

One Of My Favorite Things... Snow days.  I don't like the snow - but I do like staying home with the kids on days they are out of school. 

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... Supposed to have a GNO dinner tonight - but not sure if we will have to re-schedule it or not...about half of us are unavailable and, since we don't get to get together very often, it's nice if we're all there.

Here Is A Picture Thought I Am Sharing With You... Or thoughts...

Snow...and Jordan's 13 year old pic

Myles toothlessness.

Lord, Give me patience...

Let me just start with the basics...

Psalm 86:15

But You, O Lord, are a compassionate and merciful God.  

You are patient and demonstrate great loyal love and faithfulness.

That is what I strive to be like as a parent...like God is with me - patient, compassionate and merciful.

Unfortunately - that is waaay far from what I actually am most of the time.  Is it what I want??  Yes.  Then why can't I seem to do it?  Why do I find myself losing my temper or raising my voice to the kids?

I know it's because I'm not perfect - that Satan wants to feed off my frustrations and my anger - to attempt to wedge himself into my life and my family.  I know that...but it doesn't make it any easier to deal with in the heat of the moment sometimes.

For starters, I just don't know if I'm ready to deal with my daughter being a teenager.  Was I that difficult???  Surely not!  ((but I surely was))  I just have this dreaded feeling that I'm not doing what I should be doing - or saying what I should be saying to raise her into the young woman I know she can be.  I know some of this is paranoia talking - but I still worry!  

Don't get me wrong - she is a great girl...sweet, funny, out-going.  But, on the other hand - she has been showing some signs of changing from that little girl that (almost) always did what we asked - to a teenager that challenges e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g!  Almost every request is followed by "why?"  What happened to "sure, mom!"?? or "ok!"??  The attitude that sometimes slips off her tongue is somewhat shocking as well.  I know that when I was that age, I thought I knew more than my mom too. I think we all do to some degree - but I have just hoped that my mother never thought I was disrespectful to her.  I am just cringing at the thought.  My mom and I are so close now (not that we weren't before, it's just really changed as I've become an adult) - I can't ever imagine speaking to her in a disrespectful way - even though I'm sure I did at some point or another.

I don't what to sound like I'm just dogging on Jordan - because I'm not.  We have a lot of fun together and do a lot of laughing...it just seems like lately - we do a lot of arguing too.  Terrance thinks it's because we are so alike that that is why we butt heads so often.  That is probably true.  I just don't want to see her make the same mistakes that I did when I was younger.  Of course - making those mistakes is what has made me the woman I am today...but I'd like to think I would have turned out pretty ok without all the mistakes too. 

I know I need to call out to God - to ask him for guidance and wisdom...

Proverbs 2. 6-9

For the Lord gives wisdom, and from His mouth comes knowledge and understanding.  He stores up effective counsel for the upright, and is like a shield for those who live with integrity, to guard the paths of the righteous and to protect the way of his pious ones.  Then you will understand righteousness and justice and equity - every good way.

I need to check my temper - before it gets the best of me.  I was able to do that tonight - when she got a little much with the attitude - I was able to walk away until I was calmer.  Then later - Myles asked her for some juice (I was already in bed...getting up at 4:30 am does that to me) and she ignored him and...well, I don't really know what happened since I was in bed - but the next thing you know - there's crying and (a lot! of)blood and he's missing a tooth. I just about completely lost it then...I will admit it.

I am trying to teach her about accountability.  We talked this evening - after I got Myles calmed down and back in bed.  I told her that she can't always blame things on other people - that listening to her...things are never her fault.  It's always "they" or "her" or "he" that caused her to do whatever she did.  I told her that she needs to accept what she's done - to acknowledge what she's done - and to ask for forgiveness and apologize for what she's done.  Only then - will she start to make a change.

I see I need to do the same things in regards to my patience with them - especially with her as she enters these trying years.  I need to pray more - before I lose my temper - ask God to help me with my patience and my self-control.  I don't want to be one of those screamy/shouty mothers...but I do want to be heard without arguing all the time - and I do want respect from my kids.  I can already see where her eye rolling and attitude is starting to rub off on Myles.  

I know only God can change me - change her.  I ask that He work in my life - through my life - to help me raise my children the right, godly way.

Isaiah 40.31

But those who wait for the Lord's help find renewed strength; they rise up as if they had eagles' wings, they run without growing weary, they walk without getting tired.

Getting Back Into the Swing Of Things...

I have been so bad at blogging - it seems like all I ever do lately is huge recaps of what's been going on.  Well, it seems like this one will be more of the same.  Although I promise to try to keep more on top of things...

Thanksgiving was another Smith/Gray/Shepherd trip to Galinburg.  It was a ton of fun - as usual.  There was some brutal UNO games, horseback riding, hiking, eating (of course!) and family squabbles over who's turn it was to hold new baby Ethan - plus the obviously required trip to the hot tub.

Plus - dad took this wonderfully fabulous family pic of us all.  ((there was a "proper" one of course, too - but this one says it all!))

Christmas came next - with all the hustle and bustle that comes along with it.  It was a great time spent with family and friends.

Now that the holidays are over, I'm assuming life will slow down for a bit - until softball/baseball seasons start up again in the spring.


I am really ready for the weather to warm up a bit - don't really like freezing my tush off every time I go outside.  But, I have decided to attempt the read-through-the-Bible-in-a-year thing one more time.  :)  I'm hoping these cold winter months will get me into a habit of reading so it won't be so hard in the spring when things get super-busy.


I guess that's it for now.  Sometimes I wish I had some enlightening words or deep thoughts...but I guess today I'm just empty.  I think I'll take a nap...