And They're Off!

The first day of school has come, and gone. Today they are at their second day of school. The excitement of it is slowly dwindling. They didn't have quite the pep in their step this morning as they did yesterday. I'm sure as those alarm clocks go off again on Monday, it will be even worse. :)

They all had a great day yesterday. Two of the four started at a new school. Big steps. Chesley a Freshman, and Abby a 4th grader, and with that comes a locker and actually changing classes some during the day. (Granted, the entire class goes together when they change, but it's still a big difference to them.)

I was happy, excited, thrilled, ELATED that Ches wanted me to drop her off the first day, rather than our usual friend that picks her up to save me time in the morning. I was glad I had my emotional break down before we actually dropped her off at school. Although, once we got there, she wouldn't even turn around for a quick pic!!

What evs'

She came home and told me so much about her day, which thrilled me as well. :) She had a couple of "embarrassing" moments, such as getting left in the lunch room with a group of girls because they didn't realize that their teacher had gone back to class. ;) There was another, but I won't share that one. She might kill me over the lunch room thing. 

Abby still wanted me to walk her in- which I had anticipated, but with her being so independent, thought there might be a hesitation on her part. There wasn't. Apparently the Intermediate school is a little overwhelming. She even held her daddy's hand to go in.

I think he loved it. :) I did. 

The other two, well, they were pros. They are the top dogs in their schools this year. No worries came from them. 

Owning that room!!

Lauren wanted to take the lead and show me how to get to her class. 

I wasn't sure just how ready I was for them to return to school. This was the first year I have ever felt that way. I'm usually ready the middle of June! :) I guess we have just gotten so busy that I felt like I blinked and summer was over. These girls are my life. Yes, they run me crazy and wear me out, but I don't know what I would do without one of them. I won't take this time with my girls for granted. I will appreciate what I have in them, and love them to the best of my ability. 

I know their Heavenly Father loves them more than I ever could. He can give them more than I will ever be able to. I gave them back to Him many years ago. They are His and He is theirs. I don't have to worry or be afraid because each of my children have asked Christ to be Lord of their life and I know He has them in the palm of His hand. He has ordered their steps. They will be victorious in all that they strive to do, because we place our trust in Him. 

Do you know the Lord? I don't just mean know OF Him, I mean KNOW Him. Do you have a relationship with Him? Do you need to know peace that passes all understanding? I know He will do for you what He does for our family. If you have a Bible, read Romans 10:9-10. It is that simple. If you don't have a Bible, Google it. It is as simple as it gets. My prayer is that if you don't know Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, then today, you will make Him Lord of your life. I promise, you will NEVER be the same again. 

Enjoy the Journey, 

Paula

Just Half The Family

Ryan had been gone the week before to Orlando for some church business meetings, and I missed him in a bad way. (more than normal for me) Most of the time when he says he's going off for a few days, whether it is for church business, or hunting, etc, I'm usually pretty great with it. Don't get me wrong, I love my man, but I love having that break to read, watch what I'd like to watch on tv, if I want to see a girlie movie, go for it, etc. And if the girls and I want to have cereal for dinner, who cares? You get the drift... anyway. He went to do a wedding ceremony for his cousin in TN practically as soon as he came home, and I ended up not being able to go because of Chesley's volleyball schedule. (life of a teen...) 

So when Sunday morning rolled around, I was still kind of missing him. After church, it was such a pretty day that we took the top and doors off the Jeep and headed out with #3- Emileigh. The others had gone with various people in the church for the afternoon, so it was just the three. Half the fam...Three peas in a pod... The three amigos...The three musketeers. You get the drift. I enjoy going out in the Jeep with my husband. Mainly because he loves it. And I love being with him. 

If you like my cap, (it's got a teal and yellow cross on it) I got it from Staci  @ The Picky Cricket. Super crafty and talented gal. Love her lots! Go check out her FB page here and like it! 

So it was crazy windy, hence the hair wrapping around my cute cap! We rode wherever the rode took us, which at each turn Emileigh said "where are we going?" or "Are we lost?" Gotta love kids. We weren't lost, but found ourselves in Guntersville State Park. We love it there. Went to the lodge, so therefore, Ryan had to get his piece of pecan pie, Em had chocolate ice cream, and me...basket of fried okra. :) While riding around the park, Ryan let Em take the wheel a bit (under extreme supervision) She's a natural driver. :)

Then we went looking for the deer. I think that's the whole family's favorite part. I got a little nervous with the doors off, the deer were pretty close to the road. (Deer is closer than she appears) Bahaha! She was beautiful. 

Ryan of course acted like he had food in his hand, leaning across me, I just knew that deer was going to come get in the Jeep with us. lol She just checked us out really well, and then paid no more attention to us.

It was a much needed time with my husband and as an added bonus, we got some alone time with Em. With four girls, it's hard to get one on one time with them much. So when we can get it, we cherish it. 

What's something you like to do with your hubby, or little ones on the spur of the moment? Most of the time, the free things are the most precious...don't you think?

Enjoy the Journey!

Paula 

It's Ya Birthday!

In my last post, I briefly mentioned that I am starting a new venture in my life. In April, I became a Young Living Independent Distributor and began a journey to help my family make healthier choices, and do things for my family that are healthier in the long run. Are we eating totally healthy now? Not by a long shot. As a matter of fact, (as I hang my head in shame), for my husband's birthday this week I bought him his "goodies" that I haven't bought pretty much since April.(Now, that's not to say that HE himself hasn't brought them in the house, but I haven't.) Here is my confession:  

 But hey! There's a pineapple in there!!

ANYWAY...moving right along. YL (Young Living) has been a God send. I LOVE my oils!!! The girls...well, the three smaller ones LOVE their oils. Lauren is my biggest fan. :) Chesley on the other hand trys to act like she's not so interested, but I see her pilfering through my oils from time to time. hehe. Back to Ryan- he is a hard sell. Still working on him. He's not so crazy about the oily smells. But I get to sneak it in there from time to time. I'm just waiting on that one time he really needs the oils for something and I know he'll be hooked...it's just a matter of time! (as I laugh in my evil laugh) :D I did clean out my medicine cabinet today- that will be a post all on it's own. 

I have so much I want to write about, but I don't want to bore y'all to complete tears today, so I'll be posting stuff on here about the girls, YL Oils, and our life in general very soon. For this week- I want to say that my husband turned 19, 29, 39 this past Tuesday. He is amazingly handsome, and I couldn't imagine my life without him. He gets on my nerves like no other, we disagree like it's going out of style, and we are about as opposite as you can possibly get and I love it. He is the love of my life, and I couldn't imagine growing old with anyone else. Happy Birthday to my Sweet Pea! 

If you have any questions about YL oils, I'd be thrilled to answer them, just send me an email at paulabristow6@gmail.com and I'll be glad to do just that. 

In my next post, I'll be throwing some personal testimonies about the oils, as well as what has worked for some of my friends! Until then...

Enjoy the Journey!

Paula

Where Have I Been?

So it's been since February that I have ventured on my blog. I was informed by a friend that I was "a bit behind". Good thing I'm not making any money off of this thing. I surely would've been broke! :) 

A lot has happened since February, and my last post. Which by the way is maybe slightly funny now, but not entirely. haha. All that has happened in life is too much to talk in detail about, but in short form, March held our church Women's Conference...softball skills clinic for Abby...Winterfest for Chesley...work...and SPRING BREAK. Now THAT was fun. (insert some sarcasm) We went camping for a few nights- that turned into only one...since it was 31 degrees the first night, and was going to come a torrential rain the next. Thank goodness for Mama Gail's house just a few minutes down the road. 

April started off with a HUGE bang with softball practice for the three younger girls, on three different teams...CRAZY! The best part was my mom, and two sisters got to go on the trip of a lifetime to New York City for four days. It was a wonderful trip that I wouldn't trade for anything. I still haven't uploaded all the pictures off my phone, but if you are a FB friend, hopefully those will be up soon. I'm only like what...2 months+ late. 
What-evs. We did so many great things, and got to see some great sights. Loved it! April is also my birthday month, so that was great...nothing like being one year older. lol! The most amazing thing though, I took a step in changing my family's life and how we treat ourselves. (this is an entirely different post that I will do in detail) Just to let you know...It's Young Living Essential Oils...they are AMAZING!!!

May began the actual softball games and all that those entail. From running from one field to the next trying to watch each of my babies bat...it's a wonder I didn't lose some weight. (maybe it was the cheese fries) :) I had the great honor of having 4 speaking engagements at various places. One of which was my own home church. My wonderful husband allowed me to take his pulpit and speak on Mother's Day. It was an absolute honor, and one I don't take lightly. I also got to travel to Andalusia, as well as Decatur to speak and got to spend time with wonderful friends. Busy month finishing up school with awards days and all that jazz. Busy with work getting in those last wellness checks before school lets out. I also made a huge decision in my Pampered Chef business. I let it go. (no Frozen song pun intended...but it works- so sing it in your head. You know you just did) ha! It's strange, but one that I'm glad to say I did (for 8 years) and it blessed me with such wonderful friends. I'm ready now to share the oily-ness with my friends and family. I hope you'll come along for the ride as well.

That's the last few months of mine in a nutshell. Pray all is well with you and yours...until we meet again.

Enjoy the Journey!

Paula 

Mama Said They'd Be Days Like This...

Oh good gravy! Ever have one of "those days" that you'd like to just completely forget?!? I tell ya, the last 24 hours have been an absolute doozy!! Nothing that is catastrophic, but when you stir all my-

 "MAYHEM" 

(this guy came to mind, huh?) 

-of these last few hours, WOWZERS.  It will all be so comical...at some point in my future. (hopefully before this day is over!) If you don't want to hear of my oh, so glorious day, then stop reading now. If you want to feel so sorry for me, or just to have a good laugh, please by all means, continue on. :)

It all started with Ryan and I having the privilege of getting our taxes done. (insert some major sarcasm) This is the time I despise ALL year. Getting all those receipts together just isn't my idea of a good time. Needless to say, the end result wasn't wonderful, but the "only" good side was that we do have what we needed to pay those nasty taxes. While we were there, I got a call from Emileigh's school that she had vomited and wasn't feeling well. There I was 1 1/2 hours away from the kids, and I've got a puker. Thank goodness for our Dora- aka Mimi. She came to the rescue for me. <3 that woman! That morning Ryan and I had planned on eating somewhere for lunch and making it a "date" while we were out of town- only problem, our 2 1/2 hour appointment turned into a 4 1/2 hour appointment. So we grabbed a drink and crackers from the gas station on our way home. I know, I know- so romantic! Looking back on it now, taxes don't really put you in the romantic mood anyway! 

We arrived home to pick up Emileigh; in the meantime, I had to let the girls know to ride the bus home since we didn't think we'd make it in time to pick them up from school. We knew we would be home a little before they got off the bus. This isn't anything new, I'm usually that crazy mom that has to see how my day is going and let them know if they are bus or car riders around 1:30. I know they'd rather be a car rider, but sometimes, it just doesn't happen. Anyway, we got Emileigh home, and I got her settled. Shortly after, Abby comes in "I'm hoommee!!!" Wonderful! Wait..."Hey Abby! Where's Lauren??" "I don't know, I didn't see her on the bus." Oh gracious! By this time it is 3:20. I try the school office- no answer. Now- I need to interject here, this isn't the first time that Lauren was to be a car or bus rider and I forgot and did the opposite. But usually when I have forgotten Lauren, or even one of my other children, (hey don't judge!) the secretary has usually called me saying "I've got Lauren in my office." I had not received a call from her, so I tried her cell, no answer. So then I try a friend from church who works at Lauren's school and she usually is working car line- no answer. Then I have enough sense that I called her teacher. She had accidentally sent her to car riders. whew! (Imagine that... a kindergarten teacher- getting slammed at the end of the day, and forgetting something! I'm sure that rarely ever happens!) She was quite worried with sending her the wrong place, but I was feeling much better that I had heard that she did send her to car riders. That meant that Lauren wasn't asleep on a bus somewhere! Our school has a great extended day program- of which my children always ask why they can't go to it. Silly kids, I don't need childcare in the afternoon, therefore I'm not going to pay for it! I arrived at the school, and sure enough, when I walked in, the director assured me they had her. Lauren was quite enjoying herself, and on the way home inquired again, why she couldn't stay more often? What was so sweet and funny in this was that when I explained to her I wasn't going to pay the school to keep her when her dad or I could, she said, "Well you send the school money all the time, just send extra!" She is so funny!

After having been on the road ALL day, I got Abby to get her piano practice in while I went to get Chesley from practice. I told her to set the timer, and I was on my way. When I got back home, I thought I'd sit on the couch for a minute and take a breather, then I checked the clock- nope, time to start dinner. (it's at this point almost everyday I think to myself- "why didn't I put something in the crockpot?") Please tell me I'm not the only one. I got in the kitchen and realized that the microwave wasn't working. I checked the breaker, that wasn't it. Nothing on it was working. After some investigating, the "timer" Abby had set was the COOK TIME on the microwave. So it cooked with nothing in it for almost 20 minutes, when it burnt itself up. So now, I have to get a new microwave. UGH!!! On the up side- dinner was a hit!

After dinner was baths, which went better than normal- surprisingly. (I say that because I didn't even have to tell them to do it. Maybe it was Ryan who told them, or maybe they sensed they probably shouldn't cross mom in the mood she's in!) By the time all were going to bed, it was 8:30. Lauren- who always wants to sleep with Ryan and I, came into the room complaining of her belly hurting (all with a smile) so I chocked it up to her trying to sleep with us. I sent her to go sleep with Chesley. I was asleep probably by 9:30. At 11:00 I was woke up by the dreaded sound of vomit hitting (thankfully) the hard wood in the dining room. But (also thankfully) not in Chesley's bed, or carpet- or my carpet in my room! Lauren was sick! So pitifully sick. I felt so bad for her. We got her cleaned up, and the "puke bowl" lined and ready. I "slept" with it in my hand, and every time she moved or made a noise, I awoke and had it under her ready. That consisted of 12, 1, 2, 3 and 4 am. (and a few times in between being a false alarm) 

I prayed over my child, praying healing, and relief. The Word tells us in Isaiah 53:5 "...And by His stripes we are healed." And in Mark 16:18 ..."they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover." I knew my baby would be ok, but it so hard to see her so sick. Ryan and I both laid hands on her and prayed for her. Anytime she would start to move or moan- I spoke that over her. At 4 am, I was exhausted, and I knew I had one hour to sleep before I had to get ready for work. Then the alarm went off at 5 am, and I promise- I had JUST looked at the clock and it said 4!! I hit snooze twice, and finally drug myself out of bed at 5:20. Got pretty much completely ready, (seriously only had to put on my shoes) and I contacted my charge nurse to let her know what was going on, and she was precious enough to let me stay at home! Can I get an AMEN! 

That was a great ending to a pretty rough 24 hours. PTL! I have been able to hold and cuddle my sick little one, and thankfully, we've only had 2 more episodes of sickness. Hoping we are at the end. Just praying now, that her sore belly will subside. As bad as the last 24 hours may have been...the devil WILL NOT win today! Thankful for God supplying all our needs "...according to His riches in glory By Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19.

I said all of that to say, that no matter who you are in life, or in Christ, or whatever, there is always something to be seen by the paths that are brought before us. God knew I wasn't going to have the best 24 hours...but all it does is make me rely on Him more. If everyday was lollipops and gumdrops, our flesh may not be reminded as much that He is all we need, and He is who we should turn to, and He is the Great I Am! I'm thankful for those times that I can truly say..."take it Lord. It's in Your Hands. No matter how trivial, I give you all of my worries. "Cast your cares on the Lord, and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken. Psalm 55:22 NIV. "Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7 NKJV

Remember, He is all we need! Do you have a day that comes to mind where NOTHING went right? 

Enjoy the Journey!

Paula

God Is Just Awesome Like That

I am still amazed when God uses me in even the smallest of ways. Honestly, I'm not just amazed, I'm ASTOUNDED. Who am I? I'm certainly not worthy of being used by God. I'm not even worthy of holding the title "Pastor's Wife". But when the day is done, He is the One who called me to that position. He is the One who gave me to Ryan. He called Ryan to Pastor, and spread the Gospel, therefore, He had to call me as well. We are one, and if He called Ryan, then He called me. You hear people say all the time, "God doesn't call the equipped, He equips the called." I've said it myself- to those in doubt, no less. When it is often times I don't feel equipped in the least. But when I really truly think about it, the magnitude that He wants to use me, is beyond my understanding, or even at times, my desire. (That's where the old flesh pops in right there...my desire).

As I'm growing in the Lord, and enjoying my journey in ministry, I'm in awe when I realize, that small little gesture I thought might have just been me, was actually the Holy Spirit prompting me. This past Monday, I thought of a dear friend that is also a pastor's wife. We are not extremely close, but I admire her, look up to her and consider her a mentor. (whether she realizes it or not). So it's not everyday that she comes to my mind, but she did on Monday. So I spoke a quick prayer over her. Nothing big, or dramatic. Just a simple prayer for the Lord to guide her steps and to be with her. I sent her a quick text telling her that I was thinking of her and said a prayer for her that day. Simple, not super spiritual...you get the idea. Her reply was "Thank you Paula!" I went on about my day, thinking nothing more of it.

Yesterday, I got a text, looked at my phone and it was from her. It stated, "Wow, I didn't know what your prayer was for on Monday, but I've sure felt it the rest of this week! Thank you for praying!" Now, I was at work at this time, had I been at home, I probably would've cried and snotted like I don't know what. But since I was at work, I controlled myself- no worries people! It was at that moment that I realized, it wasn't just a prayer I prayed. It wasn't me that just thought of her. The Holy Spirit prompted it! WOW. With all the people that she and her husband pastors, with all of her other friends in ministry that God could have used. He chose me. ME!!!!! That just blows my mind!

I have no idea what she faced this week, it might have been major, or almost nothing. But what if I hadn't taken the time to pray for her? How often do we feel like we should pray for someone, or call them, or shoot them a Facebook message, or a text, and life happens and it gets by us? What if God uses someone else, and we miss out on being a vessel for God? I don't ever want to miss out on what God has for me to do. But, what if we were the only one He wanted to use for that situation? If we didn't obey that tug, or nudge, or racing heart, or even that brief thought? It took less than a minute for me to say that quick prayer for her Monday. She didn't feel it that day, but the rest of this week it helped her. Not only did it help her, it helped me. It was just another little confirmation that God really does want to use me.

I know that seems so trivial, and simple. You'd have to know me, and know that I do have insecurities in how God wants to use me. After 16 years in full-time ministry, I still struggle with this. He is stretching me and making me get out of my comfort zone to walk where He wants me. I don't want to be comfortable any longer. If I'm comfortable, then I'm not being willing. Willing to do what jobs He has for me in my life, and in Ryan's and my ministry. The devil has tried too long to put thoughts in my head that I wasn't enough. I wasn't good enough, or smart enough, or wise enough. But I'm learning that as long as I am searching Him and staying in His Word, He gives me the wisdom and "smarts" that I need. After all, He made me. He knows my insecurities. He also knows my heart, and that I want to do what He wants me to do. I may not hit it out of the park every time. I may crash and burn at times, ok, A LOT.

One thing is for sure through all of those crashes and burns, I've learned from them. And the heartache, and disappointments I have felt, I've learned from those as well. Most of the time, I end up being able to help someone else through something that I went through. Then it hits me, and I think, "if I went through that for this one person, so I could help them through it, then it was worth it." I truly believe that. Why? Because His Word says, "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28 NKJV. It is as simple as that.

My prayer for you today is that you will be sensitive to the Holy Spirit. Allow Him to use you in whatever way He wants. As insignificant as you think it is, it will be BIG to someone else. Don't disregard that name that enters your mind, if even for only a second. Say that prayer, send that text, pick up the phone. Do what you feel led to do. You don't have to know the answers, it's not for you to know all the time. God knows. He has is already worked out. He knows the outcome. The only thing you need to know is, will you be willing to be a vessel?


Enjoy the Journey!

Paula

Can You Say PRESSURE?!?!?

So I finally got the nerve to write that second blog, and even enough courage to post it. I was completely WOW'd at the response! Absolutely unbelievable. I had a lot more views than I would've ever thought off one little Facebook post. Then the sweetest messages, calls, texts, you name it started coming in. They all made me feel wonderful, and the best was from my wonderful husband. Now, anyone who knows Ryan, knows that he is NOT the romantic type. (But I love him anyway!) He sent me a text with four simple words that surpassed every other comment, post, text, ...well, you get the point. All it said was:

 "Your blog was good." 

OH MYLANTA!!!! I am dead serious when I say that I started to tear up just a smidgen. There is nothing better than when your husband pays you a compliment in an unexpected way! It so made my day. :) I think we as wives just want to make our husbands proud, especially when it comes to maybe doing a little something  for ourselves-(like a blog!) There are a lot of times I feel a little selfish doing something that's just for me, and for him to acknowledge this endeavor, it was priceless.

I hope that this blog will be fun for people to read, enjoyable, even somewhat entertaining at times. I also want it to be an uplifting time for just that right person, at just the right time in their life. I think my husband saw that in my blog today, and ladies....I DIDN'T even have to explain it to him! (insert Hallelujah chorus)

The thing that I am still unsure of, I mentioned in my very first entry. I'm not sure what all I am suppose to write about. Y'all have put the pressure on me! Some serious pressure I tell ya! LOL. What if that was my one hit wonder, and it's all down hill from here?!? LOL, seriously though, I want each entry to be as enjoyable as the first two apparently were. It just came from my heart is all I can say. It's my life, my feelings, my thoughts. Just because you wanted to hear a little bit about my husband and my kids, doesn't mean that's all there is to me, or that's all you want to read. This is where you come in a bit. I'd like to hear from you on what you'd like to read on my blog. Would an occasional recipe be too boring? A thought on a book I'm reading for our women's book club at church? About the joys/pains of having a deaf dog?? (you get the picture) I want to hear from you! Comment below, or shoot me an email, somehow, let me know!

I do think that this is just another step that the Lord is ordering for me in my life to connect with others. Why, I'm not sure, but I guess we will see where this takes us!

Enjoy the Journey!

Paula