Okay, I suppose if a momma can't brag about her kids on her own blog, there's no appropriate place for it at all. So, here I go...
Lastnight, Anna performed in her end of the year dance recital. Over the last year, she has blossomed into this amazing young lady that I absolutely adore! Her first year in dance, she has worked hard and excelled at her choice of type of dance, which is clogging. For those of you who have NO IDEA what clogging is, it is similar to tap, but not really. I'm sure that helped alot, right? Anyway, she was given a special award and tapped for the 2009/2010 Competition Team!! She is very excited to be able to use her gifts and perform in various dance competitions throughout the State next year with her group.
There are many more reasons why I am enjoying this stage of life with her. She is growing up, and most days she's a pleasure to be around. I'm sure she'd say the same about me. :O)
I'm also adding some new, old, photos that never got added when I took them. They are all from the last 6 months or so.
Abiding in His grace,
Lori
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Monday, May 25, 2009
Memorial Day Thoughts on our Freedom
We're busy getting things together for our friends and family to eat.
Looking forward to a long weekend and putting up our feet.
We've got the hotdogs, got the buns, the ribs, the drinks, and such.
Working hard to entertain all those who mean so much.
We put the net up just outside for the kids to have some fun,
I scratch my head and try to think if I've forgotten anyone.
Someone's bringing baked beans, some salad and some slaw,
Can't forget the homemade ice cream - 'cause we love it one and all!
Still it seems there's something that I've missed in all of this,
Something that has slipped my mind in all my busyness.
I pause a moment, slowing down to think, "What could it be?"
"Oh no," I sigh, "It's all those who have died to make me FREE!"
That's what today is all about, not all these other things,
It doesn't matter what we fix, or what everyone else brings!
The day is set aside for us in memory of those who died,
Who sacrificed and gave it all, who gave their very life.
And as I'm feeling grateful for their sacrifices made,
Another comes to mind - My very soul HE came to save.
Freedom comes with no small price, it cost them everything,
It cost their very lives - this freedom that they bring.
And One came not for the USA, His everything He's given,
For all those who will believe on Him, He made them all forgiven.
So on this day we celebrate, Memorial Day, Wah Hoo!!!
Don't forget all of those who died for me and you!
copyright 2009 - Lori McGuire
Happy Memorial Day Everyone,
Abiding in His abundant Grace!!
Lori
Looking forward to a long weekend and putting up our feet.
We've got the hotdogs, got the buns, the ribs, the drinks, and such.
Working hard to entertain all those who mean so much.
We put the net up just outside for the kids to have some fun,
I scratch my head and try to think if I've forgotten anyone.
Someone's bringing baked beans, some salad and some slaw,
Can't forget the homemade ice cream - 'cause we love it one and all!
Still it seems there's something that I've missed in all of this,
Something that has slipped my mind in all my busyness.
I pause a moment, slowing down to think, "What could it be?"
"Oh no," I sigh, "It's all those who have died to make me FREE!"
That's what today is all about, not all these other things,
It doesn't matter what we fix, or what everyone else brings!
The day is set aside for us in memory of those who died,
Who sacrificed and gave it all, who gave their very life.
And as I'm feeling grateful for their sacrifices made,
Another comes to mind - My very soul HE came to save.
Freedom comes with no small price, it cost them everything,
It cost their very lives - this freedom that they bring.
And One came not for the USA, His everything He's given,
For all those who will believe on Him, He made them all forgiven.
So on this day we celebrate, Memorial Day, Wah Hoo!!!
Don't forget all of those who died for me and you!
copyright 2009 - Lori McGuire
Happy Memorial Day Everyone,
Abiding in His abundant Grace!!
Lori
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Showdown at the Shelby County Courthouse
Well, this has been one interesting week!!
I received a jury summons and reported for duty first thing Monday morning.
The panel I was on was led into a courtroom where we would hear an indictment for a gentleman regarding possession of inappropriate material (shall we say) depicting minors. YIKES!!! I didn't want to be on that one, nor did anyone else in the room for that matter, and there were about 40 of us.
One by one, we each had to stand (with the defendant and his attorney present) and state our full name, address, occupation, spouse's name and occupation, and the number of children we had. Now, I don't know about you, but that's not really information I wanted this guy to have, if you know what I mean. Problem is, they didn't tell us what he was charged with until we'd all dutifully stood up and given them the information they asked for.
Now here is where this story gets really good...
After the State Prosecutors took us through a round of questions to see if we could serve as impartial jurors, look at video footage of this heinous stuff, etc... the defense attorney turned on us. All of a sudden, it was as though we all were on trial. He asked us all sorts of questions ranging from have you had an alcoholic beverage in the last 12 months, and do you condemn those who have if you haven't?" - to - "Do you have any ethical, moral, or religious beliefs that if someone else didn't believe what you believe you think something bad will happen to them?" I know that sounds a little confusing doesn't it? That's how he worded it. Screech, slow up, halt a minute.... my hand went up... no one else's did.
What is it you believe young lady? he wanted to know. "Well," I said, "I believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that if you believe that you're going to heaven, and if you don't..." This is where he interrupted me.
"If I don't believe everything you believe, then I'm going the 'other way'. Is that it?"
The Judge, now puts a stop to this line of questioning and calls the attorneys to the bench. He seems a little flustered with this particular attorney. Gee, I can't imagine why.
The attorney's return from their little chat with the Judge at the bench, and I put my hand back up.
"Yes, ma'am what else?" the attorney says.
"Well, I just wanted to clarify. You don't have to believe everything I believe about everything. But, you do have to believe that Jesus was the Son of God, or yes sir, I believe you're going to hell."
You could have heard a pin drop!!!
After we broke for lunch, about a half dozen people or so came up to me and said things like, "I'm so glad you had the guts to say that." "I was going say that too, but I didn't." "I believe just like you do." "I was about to put my hand up, when they called the lunch recess."
Well, it didn't take guts, I can assure of that, because I didn't have any. My heart was pounding! I had to sit and state my name, again, and then tell this man I thought he and all the rest of that room were going to hell if they didn't believe Jesus was the only way to heaven. It did however take obedience. You see, in Matthew 10:32-33, Jesus said, "Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven." So, did I have a choice? Not really, I had to be obedient, 'cause I can't think of anything worse to have happen to you than for you to go to hell.
Some young girl (about 19) raised her hand and said, "I just wanted to say that I disagree. I have my beliefs, but I think everyone can believe whatever they want to."
As I walked from that courtroom to go to lunch, I felt very alone, but the Holy Spirit brought to my mind Paul's words is Romans 8:18, "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." and 1 Peter 4:16 "Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter." and 2 Timothy 3:12 "Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution."
So, if by any chance, what I did glorifies God, I just hope the elders are busy throwing their crowns at HIS feet. Revelation 4:9-11 "Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying: “ You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created.”
When we returned from our lunch break, I turned to my seat mates and said, "Ding! Everyone ready for round two?" Ah, at least I still have my sense of humor!
Abiding in His Sovereign Grace!
Lori
I received a jury summons and reported for duty first thing Monday morning.
The panel I was on was led into a courtroom where we would hear an indictment for a gentleman regarding possession of inappropriate material (shall we say) depicting minors. YIKES!!! I didn't want to be on that one, nor did anyone else in the room for that matter, and there were about 40 of us.
One by one, we each had to stand (with the defendant and his attorney present) and state our full name, address, occupation, spouse's name and occupation, and the number of children we had. Now, I don't know about you, but that's not really information I wanted this guy to have, if you know what I mean. Problem is, they didn't tell us what he was charged with until we'd all dutifully stood up and given them the information they asked for.
Now here is where this story gets really good...
After the State Prosecutors took us through a round of questions to see if we could serve as impartial jurors, look at video footage of this heinous stuff, etc... the defense attorney turned on us. All of a sudden, it was as though we all were on trial. He asked us all sorts of questions ranging from have you had an alcoholic beverage in the last 12 months, and do you condemn those who have if you haven't?" - to - "Do you have any ethical, moral, or religious beliefs that if someone else didn't believe what you believe you think something bad will happen to them?" I know that sounds a little confusing doesn't it? That's how he worded it. Screech, slow up, halt a minute.... my hand went up... no one else's did.
What is it you believe young lady? he wanted to know. "Well," I said, "I believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that if you believe that you're going to heaven, and if you don't..." This is where he interrupted me.
"If I don't believe everything you believe, then I'm going the 'other way'. Is that it?"
The Judge, now puts a stop to this line of questioning and calls the attorneys to the bench. He seems a little flustered with this particular attorney. Gee, I can't imagine why.
The attorney's return from their little chat with the Judge at the bench, and I put my hand back up.
"Yes, ma'am what else?" the attorney says.
"Well, I just wanted to clarify. You don't have to believe everything I believe about everything. But, you do have to believe that Jesus was the Son of God, or yes sir, I believe you're going to hell."
You could have heard a pin drop!!!
After we broke for lunch, about a half dozen people or so came up to me and said things like, "I'm so glad you had the guts to say that." "I was going say that too, but I didn't." "I believe just like you do." "I was about to put my hand up, when they called the lunch recess."
Well, it didn't take guts, I can assure of that, because I didn't have any. My heart was pounding! I had to sit and state my name, again, and then tell this man I thought he and all the rest of that room were going to hell if they didn't believe Jesus was the only way to heaven. It did however take obedience. You see, in Matthew 10:32-33, Jesus said, "Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven." So, did I have a choice? Not really, I had to be obedient, 'cause I can't think of anything worse to have happen to you than for you to go to hell.
Some young girl (about 19) raised her hand and said, "I just wanted to say that I disagree. I have my beliefs, but I think everyone can believe whatever they want to."
As I walked from that courtroom to go to lunch, I felt very alone, but the Holy Spirit brought to my mind Paul's words is Romans 8:18, "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." and 1 Peter 4:16 "Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter." and 2 Timothy 3:12 "Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution."
So, if by any chance, what I did glorifies God, I just hope the elders are busy throwing their crowns at HIS feet. Revelation 4:9-11 "Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying: “ You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created.”
When we returned from our lunch break, I turned to my seat mates and said, "Ding! Everyone ready for round two?" Ah, at least I still have my sense of humor!
Abiding in His Sovereign Grace!
Lori
Monday, May 11, 2009
Eventful days as the school year comes to a close!
Today we spent part of the afternoon watching Anna perform with various groups from her drama club and from two elective classes - "Vaudeville" and "Dramatic and Comedic Interpretation". Now, I know I am completely biased, but she did fantastic!! I was so proud of her. I will try to post some pictures and maybe even some video of her clogging.
She got to clog as part of the Vaudeville act and everyone seemed to enjoy it. She loves clogging. Who knew when I signed her up for that last summer that it would stick and she would gain so much pleasure from it. She seems to be moving out ahead as a leader in the class, which is a role I enjoy seeing her move into. She has been promoted to the next class, though the others in her class have not been. Most excitingly, she has been invited to join the dance competition team for the 09/10 dance year. She is very excited, and we are very proud of her for her accomplishments.
She continues to ride Saddlebred horses, but wants to take a break for the summer. I'm sure it's because of the heat and the bugs. Two things she doesn't tolerate well.
Best of all, this week, Anna saw her Cardiologist for her bi-annual cardiac visit. They did the basic vitals - blood pressure, etc..., then ran an EKG and finally ended with an ultrasound of her heart. The doctor noted that there is still some turbulence between the areas that were patched during her surgery, which produce the "murmur" sound. But, praise be to our God, there is no blockage. Everything, "looks great" as the Dr. put it, and we are so greatful!!
To God be the glory,
Lori
She got to clog as part of the Vaudeville act and everyone seemed to enjoy it. She loves clogging. Who knew when I signed her up for that last summer that it would stick and she would gain so much pleasure from it. She seems to be moving out ahead as a leader in the class, which is a role I enjoy seeing her move into. She has been promoted to the next class, though the others in her class have not been. Most excitingly, she has been invited to join the dance competition team for the 09/10 dance year. She is very excited, and we are very proud of her for her accomplishments.
She continues to ride Saddlebred horses, but wants to take a break for the summer. I'm sure it's because of the heat and the bugs. Two things she doesn't tolerate well.
Best of all, this week, Anna saw her Cardiologist for her bi-annual cardiac visit. They did the basic vitals - blood pressure, etc..., then ran an EKG and finally ended with an ultrasound of her heart. The doctor noted that there is still some turbulence between the areas that were patched during her surgery, which produce the "murmur" sound. But, praise be to our God, there is no blockage. Everything, "looks great" as the Dr. put it, and we are so greatful!!
To God be the glory,
Lori
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Prayers for the John Edwards family
I know that some of you will link to my blog based on the link from John's blog, so I wanted to give you all some information so that you might be praying for their family. I doubt John will be posting to his blog for a while anyway, so this is the only other way I know to reach some of you.
Yesterday, John and Coni's youngest son was injured at football practice. He has a lacerated spleen, among other serious injuries and has been in the hospital under observation in ICU since lastnight.
We were able to visit with them this evening, and it seems that he is improving, and will hopefully be moved to a step down/floor room within the next day or two, and possibly able to come home over the weekend. John and Coni are doing fine, and are in good spirits.
We have been praying without ceasing, as I know some of my close friends have as well, for this young man and his family. Many of you know that the Edwards lost a daughter in years past, as have we, and the pain of being in the hospital with a helpless child is indescribable.
Abiding in His grace, and thanking you in advance for your prayers for their family,
Lori
Yesterday, John and Coni's youngest son was injured at football practice. He has a lacerated spleen, among other serious injuries and has been in the hospital under observation in ICU since lastnight.
We were able to visit with them this evening, and it seems that he is improving, and will hopefully be moved to a step down/floor room within the next day or two, and possibly able to come home over the weekend. John and Coni are doing fine, and are in good spirits.
We have been praying without ceasing, as I know some of my close friends have as well, for this young man and his family. Many of you know that the Edwards lost a daughter in years past, as have we, and the pain of being in the hospital with a helpless child is indescribable.
Abiding in His grace, and thanking you in advance for your prayers for their family,
Lori
Monday, May 4, 2009
Do you have a World Vision?
For months, our family has been praying about meeting the needs of others around the world. We desire to be a family who truly cares for the needs of others, around the globe, not only in our backyards. Isn't it easy to get so caught up in our lives, in our own little worlds, that we don't even see the need.
How many times, have you chosen to change the channel when a paid commercial comes on with starving children? I've done it. I can't stand to see it. It is heart wrenching. I'd rather be watching HGTV and enjoying someone's new updated home decor. What about you? ESPN?? Fox News?? Pick your channel, we all do it.
This year, we have vowed as a couple, will be different. We are pleased to be able to participate, with a ministry organization called Never Thirst. After much prayer we've decided as a family that we can no longer sit on the pews at Brookhills and "Amen" the pastor's sermons without doing something with what he's teaching us! We wanted to go on a mission trip as a family, something that would change and enrich our lives, as well as the lives of those we would minister to. We will do that eventually, but we decided this year, that the money would be better spent given completely to those who are ministering to the poor and needy.
The ministry's website is http://www.neverthirstwater.org/. This particular ministry has come highly recommended from the pastor at Brookhills, Dr. David Platt, and Todd has had the privilege of meeting the man who helped start it. 100 percent of donations received goes directly to drilling projects, NOT administrative costs.
As owners of a plumbing company, we deal with water - all day, every day - it's what we do. As a result, while we enjoy working in 10,000 square foot homes, putting in thousands of dollars worth of really nice plumbing, it causes us to ponder the thousands of people who live without the most basic life need of clean drinking water.
In fact, more people live on this planet who do not have indoor plumbing, than those of us who do. I found that shocking!! And, I am very thankful that the Lord put me in the U.S. to enjoy that wonderful invention and to be able to provide for the needs of our family through it!! :O)
However, the fact remains that today, 4,500 children will die from preventable diseases, diarrhea, dehydration, and illnesses caused by drinking contaminated water. Did you get that number? Four thousand five hundred, TODAY!! That's 1,642,500 children per year. They drink from sink holes, mud pits, and shallow wells filled with contaminated ground water. It is to Todd and I, very upsetting.
As a result, we have commited to supporting this ministry and it's mission, to provide the basic need of physical water - in order to have an open door to sharing the truth of the Living Water found in Jesus Christ.
Todd wants me to also mention a "new addition" to our family. We've taken on a child sponsorship through World Vision, of a child from Guatemala. She is 8 years old, and her name is Jessica. Please join us as we pray for her basic needs: physical, medical, educational, and most importantly spiritual, to be met through World Vision.
Certainly, we do not share this information for the purpose of "patting ourselves on the back", or making our giving known. God's Word tells us not to let our left hand know what our right hand is doing. (Matthew 6:3) We tell you only because we desire to challenge others to give as well. So, may God lay it on your hearts to give until it hurts. Christ did.
Abiding in His Grace,
Lori
How many times, have you chosen to change the channel when a paid commercial comes on with starving children? I've done it. I can't stand to see it. It is heart wrenching. I'd rather be watching HGTV and enjoying someone's new updated home decor. What about you? ESPN?? Fox News?? Pick your channel, we all do it.
This year, we have vowed as a couple, will be different. We are pleased to be able to participate, with a ministry organization called Never Thirst. After much prayer we've decided as a family that we can no longer sit on the pews at Brookhills and "Amen" the pastor's sermons without doing something with what he's teaching us! We wanted to go on a mission trip as a family, something that would change and enrich our lives, as well as the lives of those we would minister to. We will do that eventually, but we decided this year, that the money would be better spent given completely to those who are ministering to the poor and needy.
The ministry's website is http://www.neverthirstwater.org/. This particular ministry has come highly recommended from the pastor at Brookhills, Dr. David Platt, and Todd has had the privilege of meeting the man who helped start it. 100 percent of donations received goes directly to drilling projects, NOT administrative costs.
As owners of a plumbing company, we deal with water - all day, every day - it's what we do. As a result, while we enjoy working in 10,000 square foot homes, putting in thousands of dollars worth of really nice plumbing, it causes us to ponder the thousands of people who live without the most basic life need of clean drinking water.
In fact, more people live on this planet who do not have indoor plumbing, than those of us who do. I found that shocking!! And, I am very thankful that the Lord put me in the U.S. to enjoy that wonderful invention and to be able to provide for the needs of our family through it!! :O)
However, the fact remains that today, 4,500 children will die from preventable diseases, diarrhea, dehydration, and illnesses caused by drinking contaminated water. Did you get that number? Four thousand five hundred, TODAY!! That's 1,642,500 children per year. They drink from sink holes, mud pits, and shallow wells filled with contaminated ground water. It is to Todd and I, very upsetting.
As a result, we have commited to supporting this ministry and it's mission, to provide the basic need of physical water - in order to have an open door to sharing the truth of the Living Water found in Jesus Christ.
Todd wants me to also mention a "new addition" to our family. We've taken on a child sponsorship through World Vision, of a child from Guatemala. She is 8 years old, and her name is Jessica. Please join us as we pray for her basic needs: physical, medical, educational, and most importantly spiritual, to be met through World Vision.
Certainly, we do not share this information for the purpose of "patting ourselves on the back", or making our giving known. God's Word tells us not to let our left hand know what our right hand is doing. (Matthew 6:3) We tell you only because we desire to challenge others to give as well. So, may God lay it on your hearts to give until it hurts. Christ did.
Abiding in His Grace,
Lori
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