Today's Post Brought to You By the Number 5

 

 

 

That is because I got a new skirt in the mail today and it is 5 sizes smaller!!!!!!

 

This is the first skirt I have purchased since beginning my weight loss. I, like most women, had various sizes in my closet including some that hadn't fit in a long time. So, I have had clothes to wear. But, I needed a new denim skirt desperately as my old ones were cinched up as far as they would go. 

I really thought I had been too ambitious with the size; I figured I would be sending it back to exchange it for a size up or so. BUT, NO!!! It fits, in fact, I could probably go another size down!! 

 

Psalms 71:14

But I will hope continually, and will praise You yet more and more.

Thankful For His Voice

I just miss it sometimes and it frustrates me to no end. I want to hear it above all else: above my doubts, above the world, above my need to control. But, sometimes His is not the loudest voice; it is that constant, never changing word that I already know and He has no reason to yell at me.

I am thankful that He doesn't lose patience with me, but continues to speak into my life through His Word and the Holy Spirit.

When I do hear, even if I am slow to hear, I am thankful for God's sovereignty in my life. My spirit soars when I see how He works things out for the good even when I am slow to get with the plan. To know that His plan will not be thwarted gives me peace when I am frustrated.

You shall walk after the Lord your God and [reverently] fear Him, and keep His commandments and obey His voice, and you shall serve Him and cling to Him. Deuteronomy 13:4

And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you if you heed the voice of the Lord your God. Deuteronomy 28:2

Catching Up

I can not believe it has been so long since I blogged. Life has been busy and full of challenges for our family. Thankfully God's blessings outweigh any of the difficulties.

In February, to mix things up a bit, my heart decided to jog one evening. I became very dizzy and ill and we made a trip to the ER. The doctors couldn't get my heart rate down in the ER so I got to spend two nights in ICU. :) The medicine finally did the job and all my tests came back great so I was sent home! No more incidents, but I think Hannah feels that two health scares in less than 1.6 yrs. too much. Bless her heart.

Sarah, Hayden and I continue to LOVE our homeschool co-op. They have made wonderful friends and their classes are great. I teach Bible to 3rd-6th grade and every week I am amazed at these kids. They are insightful and inquisitive. We studied the names of God the first semester and this semester we are studying some of the Proverbs. I enjoy every minute of teaching them and I love to see God bless our time.

God continues to work on me in many ways; sometimes it is painful and humbling...ok, most of the time it is painful and humbling. I struggle often with money and trusting God's provision when I can't see how He will provide. I struggle with empathy at times and God put opportunities (read challenges) in my path to exercise my compassion. I fail often, but He is patient and allows me to ask forgiveness and try again. It hurts to fail, but I try to learn something every time I fall short.

Proverbs 15:31
He who listens to a life-giving rebuke will be at home among the wise.

As my children get older I find that this season of life is so sweet. These amazing people are my friends as well as my children. Though I still guide, provide and chasten, they are truly a joy to be around. I love our conversations and debates. I stand in awe at their zest for life. I am blessed.

Isaiah 54:13 All your children shall be taught by the LORD, and great shall be the peace of your children.

Spring has come to our mountains and we are enjoying it to its fullest. Winter wasn't harsh this year, but we always miss the color Spring brings and the sounds of the birds in the trees. The temperature has already reached into the 80's so I wonder what summer will be like.

I choose to seek joy daily. Do I succeed everyday? Well, certainly not every hour, but God is honoring my striving. I tell my Bible class, wisdom by definition, is something gained over time and with experience; it does not come quickly or easily. We must be patient, for it can not be gained through anything but living life and knowing God's word. And wisdom brings joy and the Bible says that wisdom gives us protection. I love God's promises!

Proverbs 4:6-7
Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.

James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

The Journey

The weight loss journey has been interesting and eye opening. Wholly enjoyable also. Some have asked to see some progress pictures, so here they are!

Before:

During:

To be continued...

Thanksgiving and Other Stuff!

It seems like forever since I have blogged. It has been a busy month or so for the Queen family with co-op, business, etc.

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving with lots of yummy food. Then we decorated for Christmas! This is done with great flourish and enthusiasm! Before you know it everything that doesn't move is decorated, sometimes even if it does move!

Two weeks ago the kids and I went to the Shakespeare Tavern in Atlanta to see 'A Christmas Carol'. We had a wonderful time and the play was fabulous.

Lots of pictures below!!!

Sarah did each of us a place setting w/ our name on it.

Hannah made a wonderful pecan pie for her dad.

William wove lights around the laurel going upstairs.

Shakespeare Tavern

Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

Blessings,

30 Years Ago

This past weekend William and I attended my 30th high school reunion. 30 years??! Wow! When did that happen?

I had worked on the planning committee, but I didn't have any specific expectations regarding the reunion. I knew it would be great to see my class as it was not a very big graduating class and we were pretty close. I had heard some updates on various people and was interested in learning more about their lives after all this time. But, I wasn't prepared for the emotions when a former teacher and our administrator spoke.

Our favorite history teacher attended and he had a major impact on most of us. His wife, now deceased, was our English teacher and we loved her also. He spoke of her and the tears began to flow. Then he spoke of his own struggles and his spiritual bucket list; more tears. He moved us all over again and gave us much to consider. A classmates wife noted that we all sat enraptured with what he said like we must have in high school. Good observation on her part. I am thankful for this teacher as he gave me the tools to succeed in college and for the love of history he imparted. I am a history buff to this day!

Then our administrator, who is 80, spoke to us. He was so moved by the reunion and spoke kindly, like a gentle grandfather. He said that he loved us, but that he didn't tell us that 30 years ago. We understood, he had a tough job that required him to be the disciplinarian; and trust me, a disciplinarian he was! I am thankful for the 'fear' I had of him; he taught me much.

Finally, it was a joy to catch up with my classmates. What a great group of people!!

Burt's Pumpkin Farm

Today the whole family went to the pumpkin farm!! We are making the most of this fall since I kinda ruined last fall with my embolism and all.

It was freezing, but that just made it better. Note William's pose below.

Two of my favorite girls! Aren't they purdy??!!

There was music playing so Hayden and Sarah decided to bust some moves. Talent runs deep in this family!



Hayden had to suffer through one of Hannah's 'lets get you to sit on that cold ground over there and take off your coat, but don't look cold" photo shoots. Bless His Heart!



The wonderful, amazing, selfless parents.



We had a blast, enjoyed each others company and got some pretty pumpkins. Hannah actually likes the ugly pumpkins; she thinks that they need a home too. You know those 'artsy' folks.






photography by Hannah Queen

One Year Ago

One year ago today I was in the emergency room waiting to be transferred to Erlanger in Chattanooga. We had just found out that I had a massive pulmonary embolism and we were trying to wrap our minds around what that meant.

Now we realize that it meant I probably wouldn't live, but live I did!

A year later and 90 lbs lighter, I feel like a different person, inside and out. There is no way to describe how blessed I feel to still be here with my family and friends.

This fall has been wonderful for us since last fall wasn't so good. We have enjoyed going to festivals and just being outside looking at the beautiful leaves.

Psalm 23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil

”When the time comes for you to die, you need not be afraid, because death cannot separate you from God’s love.” ~ Charles H. Spurgeon

I absolutely love this time of year. The mornings and evenings are cool, the sun is bright during the day and all my favorite holidays are drawing near. Our anniversary (yes, it is a holiday!), Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Also, we have a new celebration this year. October 8th. The day I stared death in the face and found that it was not my appointed time to go home. I am thankful that I have more time with my sweet husband and children. I am thankful for God's peace that I felt so clearly and completely during that time. I remain in awe of how God orchestrated the whole event for His glory. God is good!

So enjoy the beauty of this world. Enjoy your family.

“…for “‘In him we live and move and have our being;” Acts 17:28

photography by Hannah Queen

Margot

Hannah caught our boxer, well, being a boxer. They are like children, very curious and into EVERYTHING.

Home School Co-op

Today was the first day of home school co-op for us!! AMAZING!!!

What an a wonderful group of people working so hard to make learning fun and interesting. I feel humbled to be teaching in this environment and very blessed that Sarah and Hayden are able to attend.

I am teaching a class called 'Names of God' to 3rd - 6th graders. These kids are so attentive and appreciative that they make teaching easy. I am excited about sharing the character of God with them and introducing them to the Greek and Hebrew languages along with the culture of the 1st century.

Sarah and Hayden had a wonderful first day and met some great young people. I know this will be a positive experience for them.

Though the picture below is a year old, to me it sums up these two!

17

This beautiful and gracious young lady turned 17 yesterday. 17 years ago she entered this world after scaring her momma half to death. Hers was a difficult birth, but she has since brought nothing but joy to my life.

Sarah is our deep thinker, an old soul with a beautiful spirit. She is creative; we call her our own 'little martha stewart'! Each season our home is decorated by her with garlands, drawings on the chalk board and other assorted homey creations. She already knows how to make a house a home.

Yesterday the boys were camping so we girls celebrated her day with lunch at a local deli, window shopping, a cupcake at The Sweet Shoppe and dinner at Sarah's favorite pizza place. Definitely a girly birthday.

Thank you Sarah for being my wonderful daughter and a great sister.

John 16:21 When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world.