~ inspiration ~

My good friend, Ellie, always inspires me, and inspires me to blog.  I retired my blog a few months back, and Ellie was my inspiration to start blogging again.  Most of you who read my entries know the story of the Bagleys.  But for those who don’t, let me tell you that the Bagley family is a devoted, Christ-centered family that has been through their share of adversity.  Joe (who is my age give or take a couple) was diagnosed with brain cancer somewhere around 2001.  Since then, he has fought the battle against the nasty “c”, and has endured endless surgeries, chemo and radiation.  During this time, we’ve witnessed miracles…Praise God…! And we’ve been there during the worst of days…! But Joe has devoted his life to Jesus Christ, and soon he will get to meet his Savior…!  That is a definitely a reason to be joyful – imaging Joe’s “cancer-free” stride in Heaven hanging out with Jesus.

I had an opportunity to hang out with Ellie today for a couple of hours.  Just some plain, ole girl chat time.  Sure there were tears, and sadness for the ones left behind. That was hard.  Makes me cry typing this now.  But grief is hard – otherwise it wouldn’t be called “grief”.  There isn’t much earthly joy in losing a loved one.  The worst part of  it is wondering “how does this world keep spinning when I am so grief stricken and sad?”.  I’ve been there – many a time – lost my mom, my mom-in-law, my dad, my sis-in-law.  Well, loved ones – it does keep spinning because God’s love for us is never ending.  Not saying it’s easy, because it’s not.  It stinks, and it’s hard, and it takes time.  But I have learned through my trials, that time does heal our broken hearts.  And with God’s Amazing Grace, we will be reunited in time with our loved ones…!

Something really cool happened today  that I feel the need to share…!  Joe’s hospice CNA was there to care for Joe, get him cleaned up, shaved, and out of bed into the recliner.  After all was said and done, he picked up Liz’s guitar and asked Ellie is she minded if he played a song.  He sang/played “How Great Is Our God”..!  It was AMAZING…!  Really.  Me and Ellie boo-hoo’d…! God places people in our paths for a reason…!

So I dedicate this post to my good friend Ellie.  Girl – your love for Joe is amazing..! You inspire me everyday to appreciate EVERYTHING I have in this earthly life.  I was there to comfort you today, but I think you did more for me today…!  When I left and held Joe’s hand today, I was really touched by his strength.  And I’m moved more than words can say by your strength.  But don’t feel you always have to be the strong one..!  You have soooo many people that love and support and your family…! 

Again – thank you, Ellie, for always inspiring me…!

~ Tuesday Thoughts ~

I really want to blog, but life lately has me going in 10,000 different directions.  Anyway ~ some thoughts for the day:

• Kiddos got report cards last week.  Kyle made the A/B Honor Roll (more A’s than B’s this time), and if it were still a 10-point scale, he would have have had straight A’s…and first time for an A in Math (thanks to kate for all of the help she has been giving him at home).   Compared to how Kate finished up last year at DVHS in PA – she did great, including an A in Math. 
• Halloween came and went ~ Kids had fun working the churchs’ Haunted Trail.  Halloween night was a very damp and soggy one here in NC — first time since we’ve lived here that I recall we had rain.
• Can you believe Thanksgiving is next week?  Kate is going home on Tuesday, and we’ll be heading to the cabin on Wednesday after work thru Sunday.  May have a packed house with friends joining us, but the more the merrier…!
• Our ‘Rock Group’ has really picked up some momentum lately…!  Glad to have the spirit back with this awesome group of people we are doing life with…!
• Looking forward to serving the Salvation Army again this year with the Angel Tree program.  This is really an amazing ministry, and this will be our 3rd year serving.  It gets better every year.
• So excited that the Rocky River Ladies are getting an awesome Women’s Ministry in place.  We are having our big kick-off on December 10th.  I’m so excited to have fellowship with the best group of ladies on the planet.
• I’ve realized in the past few weeks that some decisions are REALLY hard to make, but God has His hand in everything, and we need to trust Him with everything.  It just makes me sad that feelings get hurt and friendships lost along the way.   But I do have faith that time will heal these situations.
• In three weeks, my baby turns 12?  How did that happen?  Like the Kenny Chesney songs goes — “Don’t Blink”…!
• Listening to Third Day while writing this blog —- LOVE THEM…!  ((((Was on a hill my Savior died.  A broken heart, a bleeding side.  Hill of the skull, Mount Calvary.  The blood He shed, He shed for me)))
• Pulled off a good birthday surprise celebration for BFF, Barbara…!  We ate and ate and ate…! It was a blast.  Love U girl…!
• Missing my best girlfriends from NJ — Karen and Lynn.  Y’all have been on my heart often.  Darn it — just move here, why don’t you….!
• I think it’s cool that Taylor Swift won Entertainer of the Year at the CMA’s last week.  She is the youngest performer to ever win this honor.  I love TS, and she is a good role model for our girls.   (Kenny still my Fav..!)
• Rocky River Church student ministry has some cool stuff coming up. Movie night on Tuesday and service project on Wednesday.  Check out the Project 252 page on FB for more details from Lonnie.
• Oh my — have you heard the song “Why” by Rascal Flatts?  I cry every time I listen.  (((Why? is there anything I could have said or done?  Why -  I had no clue you were masking a troubled soul, God only knows, what went wrong, and why you’d leave the stage in the middle of a song))). 
• Forgiveness is a gift to yourself.  I’m giving this gift to myself, and it feels good.
• Christmas Holidays for me = I hate to say = not the happiest of days.  Hate the craziness and commercialism and the shopping.  Love it for the kids.  Maybe it’s my own way of having a ‘pity party’ because most of my family is gone.  My Mom LOVED Christmas…!  I have a bunch of her old ornaments for the tree, but for me it’s always bittersweet hanging those.  Feel robbed that she had to die at 57, and she never got to experience Christmas with her grandson.
• I miss my Dad, too…! He pissed me off most of the time with his strong, opinionated attitude, but he was still Dad.
• I miss Nisey ~ I never thought I’d be raising your daughter.  Wow, life turns on a dime.  I don’t know what I’m doing, and every minute brings new drama.  But I hope I’m making you proud sweet Angel…!

1 John 4:7  – Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.

~ Tuesday Thoughts ~

It’s been a while since I’ve posted ~ same old excuse – just busy, busy, busy.  Some random thoughts for a rainy October day:

• Decided to cancel the Orlando trip over Thanksgiving and go on a Spring Break cruise instead.  Really looking forward to our first cruise.
• Kyle and Kate had an awesome time last weekend working the Haunted Trail at the Rocky River Church Pumpkin Patch.  They were pretty scary looking if I do say so myself.
• The kids have Fall Break at the end of this week for 5 days.  Kate is heading back to PA to visit her dad and her friends for the long weekend.
• Dad Bateman and Nelia had a wonderful wedding celebration, and are beginning their “happily ever after”….!
• Kyle was nominated by one of his teachers to serve on the Leadership Academy at CC Griffin MS.  We are very proud of him.  He is having a GREAT year so far.
• Kate is working on plans to do a fundraiser and awareness campaign for “Donate Life” – an organ donor organization in memory of her mom, Denise.
• Lonnie and I are both staying busy @ Church.  He’s been serving as a leader in the Middle/High School Ministry, and I’m looking forward to working on some community outreach projects.
• Continue to pray for the Bagley family – Joe, Ellie, Joey and Liz.  Joe has inoperable brain cancer.  They are such an awesome family, and their faithfulness is always an inspiration to me.
• So VERY thankful for my friends — you all know who are — especially with all of our trials over the past few weeks.  Could not do life without ya’ll….!
• Missing two of bestest friends from New Jersey – Lynn and Karen.  I spent a better part of my life with these two wonderful ladies, and wish we see each other and chat more often…!
• Be sure to check out Fall Festival @ Harrisburg Elementary School on November 7th.  This is an awesome, fun event for the entire family.
• Hope the Phillies win the World Series.  I used to be a Yankees fan back in the day of Reggie Jackson, Bucky Dent, Goose, Sweet Lou, Thurman Munson, etc. , but don’t like the egos of most of the overpaid players anymore.
• Kate-ism # 1:  “Do these boots make my butt look fat?”

“Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass…..It’s about learning to dance in the rain.”

Drama ~~~

Drama:  any situation or series of events having vivid, emotional, conflicting, or striking interest or results.

Lots of it is flowing around the Bateman house these days with the addition of a 15-year-old girl.  I’m not saying it’s all bad.  But it certainly keeps things interesting.  We never had much drama with Kyle.  Kate has been with us two months already.  We inherited an instant teenager, and she inherited a new set of parents.  So we are all adjusting.  And every day is different.  And my motto is now “just one hour at a time”.  And if we get through that — GREAT, we’ve succeeded.

The biggest thing about Kate is that she makes me laugh so much.  Sometimes she says the goofyist things, and I just laugh out loud like I have not in such a long time.  She is by no means serious.  Kyle and Lonnie can often be serious (and maybe even intense at times ).  But Kate is such a free spirit, and whatever rolls off her tongue – well, it is what it is. 

There is always drama of some sort every day — but I’m really learning to “Roll with It”…!

Thursday Thoughts ~~

Wow, I can’t believe it was 4 months ago that I “quit” blogging.  Stupid time justs keeps flying by without any consideration.  Alot has been happening, so since I’m blogging again (for now), let me fill you in…!

• Biggest change at the Bateman house is a new addition — no, not a baby..! My 15-year-old niece, Kate, has moved in with us to pursue her high-school education at Hickory Ridge High.  She has been with us for almost 2 months now, and, well,,,,,lots to be said – lots of adjustments – but we are all settling into routines, and things are going very well.  She is a GREAT girl, and the Bateman family loves her like our own.  It’s cool having a “daughter” around the house.  And I cannot tell you how much she makes me laugh (lots of blonde moments)…!
• Kyle started Middle School in August.  The adjustment was HUGE and not very easy.  Lots of mornings of Mom crying, wishing I could make it all better.  The good thing is that I finally realized that I need to let Kyle grow up, and I can’t fix everything for him.  That was a “BIG” moment for me.  And, things are going much smoother these days…!
• I (and my counterpart, Kim) stepped down from running the K-5 Children’s Ministry at our church.  It was time for us to move on.  Time for some new ideas and leadership in order to take things to the next level.  I’ll have to admit, it was a hard adjustment because it was a major focus in my life for 3 years.  But things are moving along GREAT in that ministry, and I still teach Sunday School once a month.
• My father-in-law is getting MARRIED…! We are so happy for Dad and Nelia.  October 10th is the big day.  Nelia is a wonderful, loving, sweet lady.  Kyle was so excited when he got the news, and asked Ms. Nelia if he could call her “Grandma”.  Can you say BoooHooo…!
• We finally sold my Dad’s house in New York.  The whole estate, probate, house sale thing was a long and difficult process.  It was a very bittersweet day for me in July when we turned over the house and the land.  But I know that life must go on —- it just stinks some times….!
• Bateman Family had a GREAT summer.  Life is too short, and we enjoyed every chance we had to have fun and fellowship.  Whether we were at the cabin hanging out on the lake, or at the beach with the Beaver family, or just having a cookout and swim party at the house, we made the most of every moment.  I highly recommend FUN.
• I hate to name names because you always end up leaving someone out, but I really could not do life without some very important people in my life ~ Beavers, Lymans, Peeles, Mitcheltrees, Heagys, Crowells, Wohlfarths, Lucas’, Davis Girls and my RRC Tuesday Lunch crew…! 
• I’m so thankful that Kyle has an AWESOME group of friends and they are walking together, sharing God’s word.  I love these awesome kiddos, and the “Bateman Hotel” is always open to y’all — Zach, Madison, Ethan, Morgan, Marissa,  Kyle H,  Brody, Danielle, David, Kaylee, Maddie, Taylor, Kate, Justin, Grant, Kyle S., Emilee, Beth.  I’m sure I’m missing some….sorry!

Well, that wraps up the “update”.   Stay tuned ~~

I’m Back

A while back, my friend Ellie told me she ‘really’ missed my blog.  Maybe she was the only one that found comfort from my words — I don’t know.  But in her honor, I’m going to post some more blogs — because she is definately one of the most courageous woman I know, and one of my most special friends.  Seriously.  We can all take a lesson from Ellie.  First and foremost – for her dedicated love of God and for her unending faith.  Ellie’s husband, Joe, was diagnosed with brain cancer several years ago.  In that time he has been given the worst prognosis, only to overcome (many times)  - by prayer and God’s grace.  I’ve taken part in the healing “hands-on” ceremonies in church.  Extremely powerful and totally feeling God’s presence..! 

However, it seems as though, at this time, God may be ready to call Joe home.  I don’t know all the details, but Pastor Jimmy has asked us all to pray.  Funny — I don’t think Joe needs our prayers – because I have no doubt Joe will be hanging out with Jesus soon.  Joe has been a dedicated servant to Jesus, and has definately shown the practical love of Jesus to everyone he has met.    The entire Bagley family demonostrated that LOVE everyday.  I am truely humbled to be called a friend of your family.

Joey and Liz ~ You are wonderful role models to the youth in our church.  Continue to shine the light that your Dad ignited in you.  I have no doubt that you will both continue to shine for Christ.

Ellie ~ I love you sister.  You have been placed in my life to show me what is really important. You will always be a light in my life.  I love u..!   Thank you for showing me what is really important. 

In fact, this blog may actually be a turning point for me …. (stay tuned)…~

Last Post ~

To my faithful followers ~ this will be my last blog post to this site.  You have visited, and I have not given you anything.  My blogs are few and far between.  I’m going through transition in several areas of my life right now.  Maybe I just need a break from lots of things.  Time to breathe and figure out what’s next for me.  REALLY figure out where God is leading me, because right now, I’m unsure. 

Thanks to all have been with me from the beginning..!  I do so appreciate your love and support..!

Peace Out (as Kyle would say…)…!

Tuesday Thoughts ~~

Some random ramblings for a rainy Tuesday…….

• Only 25 days of school left ~ this year has flown by. 
• This Wednesday will be our last PTA meeting for the school year.  It will be bittersweet for many of us who will be serving this board for the last time ~ as most of our children are moving onto middle school.
• My weight loss journey is continuing on a slow, but steady, pace.  I am currently 20 lbs. lighter..!
• Enjoying a new women’s bible study – we are studying the “Ester” study by Beth Moore.
• Looking forward to see Kenny Chesney for our 5th straight year on May 21, in Greenville, SC. Sad he’s not coming to Charlotte this year.
• Work has been busy and stressful the past few weeks, but things seem to be settling down, with the new boss settling in.
• Looking forward to spending some more time at the cabin over the next few months, especially since we’ve got the boat back in the water, and we can tube & fish. 
• Starting to plan Vacation Bible School for our Preschool and K-5 kids @ Rocky River Church.  It’s alot of work planning, but I know its going to be a GREAT week.
• Looking forward to “Girls Night Out” tonite ~ It’s been a while…..!
• I love the rain, especially the days when it just seems to rain all day long.  It just really makes me realize I need to slow down.  That’s what a rainy day does for me.
• One of Kyle’s bff’s Grandpa passed away this week.  He’s very concerned.  I love his compassion.  He is too young to have such a broad understanding of deep grief. He asked this morning if we could go to the store after school and get a sympathy card.
• I’m an organized planner & list maker…!  Why is it that I can’t plan a weeks’ worth of grocery shopping?  My goal (especially after finishing our Dave Ramsey Bible Study on money), is to plan better, use coupons and not go to the grocery every day or 2.  Once a WEEK – it can’t be that hard??
• Mother’s Day is this Sunday ~ I have not enjoyed Mother’s Day for 11 years now – since my Mom passed away - a month after Mother’s Day.  I still look at that picture of her standing on her boat holding the flowers we sent her for Mother’s Day – Happy, fairly healthy, cancer in remission (so we thought) ~ a month later, she was gone.
• Please pray for my niece, Katie, who will go through her first Mother’s Day without her beloved Mom this year.  I remember how much those “firsts” really stink…!
• Families are complicated, frustrating and sometimes unreliable, but we can’t choose them, and we can’t trade them in, so we must learn to love them unconditionally, and appreciate them.

Have a blessed week.

Psalm 147:7-8:  Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving; make music to our God on the harp.  He covers the sky with clouds; he supplies the earth with rain and makes grass grow on the hills.

Faithfulness ~~

I wanted to share a Caring Bridge website for a 4-year-old little boy from Mooresville, NC, who was critically injured last month in a lawn mower accident.  The testimony from his parents is just incredible and inspiring.   Check out their website, read the “journal” and make sure you have plenty of tissues.  But most of all ~ pray for healing for little Preston — he has already touched thousands of lives, and God has a bigger plan for him..! 

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/prestonloyd

Thought for Today ~

God shines His love on us not so we can catch it and keep it for ourselves but so, like mirrors in the sun, we can reflect His love on others.