In Your unfailing love You will lead the people You have redeemed. In Your strength You will guide them to Your holy dwelling. Exodus 15:13



Friday, February 27, 2009

b3

Check out Brigette's new blog! She has some wonderful wedding recommendations if you are in the market!

www.billups-b3.blogspot.com

Welcome to blog world SIL!

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

And it's not even my birthday!

Friday night.

Jared, the girls and I met Brigette (soon to be SIL) at a bridal shop in Southlake to try on the most gorgeous bridal gown. Trust me when I say gorgeous, that I mean GORGEOUS!!! After we got finished, her fiance (my BIL) met us for dinner at Snuffers in Southlake and then walked with us as we shopped around.

I had been complaining for months that my one pair of jeans (yes, I know. It's sad. I only own one pair of jeans)didn't fit. They had were my post maternity jeans if that tells you anything. (I gained 40 lbs with each kiddo) Let's just say that they didn't look so swift.

So...he told me that I should get a couple of pair of jeans. We went to Buckle and spend about 1 1/2 hours. No luck. I was so discouraged. I just don't want to look like a rocker, middle schooler or someone who is yelling,"Hey, check out my goods!" I just want to look like a cute, hip mom with jeans that are flattering. Anthropologie is across the street and I didn't even ask to go because I know how expensive it is. I wanted to be a good steward and not take total advantage of my sweet hubs. But...he suggested we go. So we did. I headed back to the sale room and BINGO! I found two pair of precious Level 99 jeans half off and in my size. I ran to try them on and BINGO again! I loved them. Jared loved them. The sweet dressing room girl, Kate, loved them. All was good. We bought, ran to pottery barn to see Brig and Brando's dishes (Again, gorgeous!) and headed home.

Thank you Anthropolgie for carrying such precious jeans for me to find at such a lovely budget-wise price! And, Thank you, thank you with sugar on top to Jared for splurging on me!


Then...
During church on Sunday, a friend leaned over and told me that she had a bag for me. I asked what was in it and she just said some clothes. My eyes lit up!

*Backstory: I have gotten kinda skinny lately and most things just hang these days. But don't worry, I am working on gaining some back!*

I love clothes but these days I don't get to enjoy or indulge in it very often due to...well, there are many factors.

Anyways, I get home and open the bag...OH MY GOSH! It is a bag of the most wonderful treats from some of my most favorite stores! This friend has really, REALLY good taste and dresses to a T! I couldn't believe my eyes. I couldn't believe that she would be getting rid of such cute stuff! She blessed me so.

Here's to sweet, Lib! Thank you, friend! I feel so girlie and cute today at school in my new outfit!

Monday, February 23, 2009

15 minutes

I love ministry. I love everything about it. Above all, I love the people that ministry brings you in contact with. I have been reminded lately of how many people that I dearly love. I just wish I had 15 minutes to spend with each one by themselves to really listen and love them more. 15 minutes that are not shoved before or after church, in a brief passing by as I grab kids from the nursery, or in a text. I wish I had more time to love on more people. To let them know that they are important, loved, and above all treasured by God. I want to be a good steward of the friendships that God has so graciously bestowed on me.
(How great is our God that He loves on us with ample time to spare?)
Here's the kicker...the more time I do spend of sweet friends, the less time I have with my family. How do you balance? I want to both with the utmost excellence!

Surely, I'm not the only one?

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Blog Roll

I added a blog roll today FINALLY! I have been meaning to for what seems like forever and just never got around to it. This is not a complete list, so if you were left off...don't worry! I still love you!

Enjoy some of my favorite blogs! My friends have the cutest kids, posts, stories EVER!

Have a great night friends!

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Kristen Winters Walker



Kristen Winters Walker, 30, died Friday, February 13, 2009.
She was born December 17, 1978 in Wake County to Mike and Anne (Terrell) Winters.
The earthly loves of Kristi's life were Chuck and her boys. She spent every day selflessly loving and serving her family. Prior to having children, Kristi taught school in Texas and in Apex. That background prepared her to teach her children about life, but most importantly she taught them to love the Lord. By all accounts Kristi was an excellent mom. We know that God has a great plan for her boys as He decided that He needs her with Him instead of with the boys as they continue to grow. God's ways are higher than our ways.
Kristi gave her life to Christ at an early age and personified the godly woman of Proverbs 31. Throughout her life she was a true example of Christ. Kristi was consumed with a passion for her Heavenly Father and her Lord Jesus Christ. She loved to study God's word and learned to apply it to her daily life. She started each day with a Bible devotion with her boys. She knew that Bible truths were the only way to train and teach our children.
Kristi loved sports. Baylor and Carolina were her favorite teams to watch. Both schools will miss her support. We'll miss the excitement of watching Carolina baseball and basketball together. She was an excellent athlete. She enjoyed playing basketball, volleyball and softball. A three time all conference softball player, she often challenged the notion that boys were better than girls at sports.
Kristi met Chuck on a mission trip to Honduras. Their relationship developed at Baylor and they were married in March, 2001. We give the God the glory for giving Kristi a godly husband and friend. Eight great years of marriage took them from Texas to North Carolina. They developed friendships in both states with some of the finest young people in the world. No couple has ever been blessed with more wonderful friends.
During the last months of Kristi's life after being diagnosed with breast cancer following the birth of her last son, she was served by outstanding medical professionals at UNC and WakeMed Cary. The nursing staff at both hospitals demonstrated compassion beyond obligation. Her attending physician, Dr. Mark Graham cared for her with a passion and diligence that surpasses any the family has seen. His team, within his office and other consulting physicians, cared for Kristi with great skill and love. We thank all of the doctors and nurses at WakeMed Cary who were there for her over these months.
Kristi's friends, church community, and the community at large have been wonderful to her family. Numerous individuals provided food, child care, yard care, prayer support and other acts of care that are greatly appreciated. This community, which includes loving family and friends in Texas and North Carolina, has provided encouragement to all of us and have been a testimony to us of God's love during this trial. We thank everyone who has supported Kristi and us during her illness.
Kristi is survived by her husband of eight years, Chuck Walker of Holly Springs; three boys, Cade Michael Walker, Mason Daniel Walker and Zane Elliott Walker; mother and father, Mike and Anne Winters of Holly Springs; sister, Amy Savage of Raleigh; brother, Matthew Winters of Holly Springs; paternal grandparents, Glenn and Gailya Winters of Cary; maternal grandmother, Lee Goodman of Cary; maternal grandfather, Ben Terrell of Louisburg.
A celebration of her life will be held 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 17, 2009 at Colonial Baptist Church. The family will receive friends immediately following the service. Pastor Stephen Davey will preside. A private graveside service will be held earlier on Tuesday.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Kristi's memory to Pretty in Pink Foundation, 2501 Blue Ridge Road, Suite 250, Raleigh, NC 27607.
Arrangements through Brown- Wynne Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.brownwynne.com

Reason

Reason. Sometimes we don't know the reason and wish we did. Sometimes we think we know it. Sometimes we just want to keep in the bliss of ignorance. These seem to be my three categories of reasons. I think it's ok for them to overlap too.

I have heard people say that there is a visable thread of the blood of Jesus throughout scripture. From Genesis to Revelation. Yes, I can see that He is there and He is good. What about our lives though? Can you see his hand from beginning to end?

Days I see it bright as the sun, days I struggle to find the blood in all the haziness of life. But, let me be clear. Truth tells me again and again, that He is there. He is here. He is my God. He is my protector, redeemer, friend. He is my everything. I have to daily separate the Truth from what my womanly and worldy emotions sway me to believe.

I knew Jesus when I small. I knew who He was. I knew that He loved me. I knew that He was what I did on Sundays and Wednesdays. I knew that I loved Him. I knew that He died for all my sins. Let's just say I knew alot.

There came a summer after my sophmore year in college where I realized that "knowing" alot wasn't going to cut it anymore. I had to make a choice. There were two paths. One wide and one narrow. This choice would set the path for the rest of my days. Lukewarm wouldn't cut it anymore. It was time for me to choose.

So...I chose. I chose my Jesus. I didn't see stars or the heavens opening. I didn't have a party and people shook my hand. It was so much more. My heart was new. My heart was busts at the seems with joy and love of my Saviour. That was the moment I knew that this was it. This was what I wanted every moment of every day for the rest of my life.

I wish I could say that after that day life has been peachy but it's just not true. Jesus doesn't make life easy or perfect. He makes it worth the pain. He makes it worth the suffering. He makes it perfect in His ways.

Looking back, my story is not normal by any means. But...it's His story in me. I wouldn't trade it for the world.

These are a few of my heart's reflection this year...

Wish I knew the reason why...
-my heart was broken.
-my heart can be so bitter.
-judy never gave up on me.
-my choices were so bad.
-people were taken away.

I think I know the reason why...
-my dad showed up in court that day and fought for me.
-cindy and scott built a beautiful doll house
-my mammaw and poppy are always just a phone call away.
-jared never stopped pursuing me.
-my children are here.
-I am here.
I hope I never know the reason...
-my birth mom chose to not show up in court that day.

I know that the Lord is sovereign. He has guided my life without me even knowing. He has loved me on the days that I didn't know I loved Him. He has pursued me relentlessly. He has never given up on me.

He is the reason for life. He is the reason we are alive.

Vote for Champ



Hey blog world!

This is my brother in law Brandon and his soon to be wife Brigette's sweet puppy dog! His name is Champ! Isn't he just the cutest? Take a minute to vote for Champ.

You can only vote once so make it count. Go Team Champ!!!

Thanks in advance for all the votes!
XOXO

Friday, February 13, 2009

Kristi's passing...

Kristi passed away this morning a little after 8am.

We know that to be absent from the body is to be in the presence of our Jesus.

She will be dearly missed.

Thursday, February 12, 2009

With Great Expectation...

This is the latest update on our sweet friend Kristi Walker posted by her dad. I post this for the sheer fact that I know you will be faithful to pray. Friends, strangers, fellow bloggers and friendly readers, please cry out for this sister.

Lord, we wait with great expectation, knowing that You alone are able to heal. Let our hearts not be troubled but our minds firm in the truth that You have given us.

Thursday 2/12 4pm
Posted 59 minutes ago
We ask for everyone to pray for Kristi as she has had a change in her condition. Lab work from a culture taken on Monday showed this morning that the blood infection was caused by an organism that is resistant to typical antibiotics. It takes three days for this determination to be made, but when made, the docs took immediate action to change antibiotic to attack this bug. The infection is very serious, but the new antibiotic should be able to deal with it. Unfortunately the infection causes a precipitous drop in blood pressure which has occurred twice today. Docs are giving drugs to get the blood pressure up. Apparently this infection is a consumer of platelets as her platelet count has dropped to 10. In addition to Dr. Graham, the infectious disease docs and kidney docs have been with her. Her situation has been described as grave, but Dr. Graham said he did not think was immediately life threatening. We are thankful for the quick diagnosis and action by the doctors and staff.

Discovery of this bug has led to immediate action on part of the medical staff to create an isolation environment. Kristi can still have visitors but all must wear masks, gowns and gloves to avoid spread in the hospital. Docs are not concerned about spread to family including Kristi's kids. All of this is a bit disturbing as a new level of attention is provided by the docs and nurses. Kristi continues to be in pain. The docs do not like to give chemotherapy while an infection is present so treatment that would normally have been tomorrow may be delayed. The low platelet count is also an impediment to treatment. These are issues as we all know that treatment is important to address liver and platelet issues. Kristi is being given transfusions of platelets.

We ask that you pray for Kristi in several ways. First, that the infection is stopped by the drugs given to her. Also, that the platelet count will increase so that chemotherapy can be given as soon as possible. Third, pray for relief of pain. Also, pray that she will be able to wake from the sleep so that we can communicate with her. Please pray for God's will to be done in her life. We want a miracle and are praying for God's hand to give her healing.

It is very hard to deal with her condition as her body has been ravaged by disease and infection. We want her to be well, but her health is completely in God's hands now. The docs are doing all they can, but there is somewhat of a "finger in the dike" medical crisis around her. If she is to be healed, it will be only by God's hand, in His time and by His grace. If that is not His plan, then just as Abraham was prepared to bring Issac to sacrifice, we are trying to accept that we must turn Kristi over to our Savior to be in His presence instead of our presence, if that is His will. Of course we like to remember that God didn't require Abraham to make that sacrifice. We like to think of Lazarus and the daughter of Jairus as Christ healed them at the last possible moment. That's the miracle for which we pray.

We have asked for a miracle of healing for Kristi, but a friend reminded me today that we are seeing miracles all around us as a result of Kristi's life and her struggle with this disease. We are hearing daily of lives being changed and of folks facing up to their faith, sometimes those who profess to lack faith, wondering if maybe Kristi's faith is something they'd like to have in their lives. Praise God for those miracles and that God has allowed us to see every day how lives have been impacted. Thanks for your prayers. Docs say the next 24-48 hours are critical. I know we said yesterday the next one to three weeks, but we don't get to choose the time. We have been blessed by the support of all of the folks who have read this and have been praying for Kristi.

Mike Winters

Oh my...

Check out my blog friend Brandi's post today!

This will make your day all better!

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

I love RANCH!

We had lunch on Sunday at Chili's with our friend Greg. Karoline had been asking for some ranch to dip her chips in. (that's my girl!) When it arrived, I gave her the benefit of the doubt and didn't help out like I should have. She dunked the chip and this was the result...


She began shaking her hand saying, "EWWW! EWW!, Oh no!"

I love her.

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

I'm still here...

Hello out there!

I totally apologize for the long delay in a new post and pictures. Life has been a whirlwind of sorts and we are moving with it!

Here's a rundown...
-New Years' was peaceful. The family and I stayed home and enjoyed each other. My biggest resolution is to live with simplicity (Foster's Disciplines). To learn that I don't have to have or be anything but what God tells me. My kids don't have to dress or have everything in every color, size and shape. My house doesn't have to look like a Pottery Barn catalog. My car doesn't have to be the nicest, newest in the neighborhood. These things trip me all the time. More with thoughts than actually having them. I want my mind and my heart to not desire the things of the world. I want to teach my children by example what simplicity really is. It's not having nothing but having everything in Christ.

Karoline turned 2...
-What an awesome day! She was loving life and loving her friends! Some family and friends came over that day for some pizza, cake and presents. Ashley brought Karoline breakfast and a Uniqua balloon that morning! KJ just loved her gifts. It's so fun that she is now aware of the celebration! On that next Saturday, we had an Itsy Bitsy Breakfast for her and her sweet friends. About 12 of her friends came over and enjoyed pancakes and a bounce house (donated by Grayson!). I just love watching her play with her friends. I have a whole post for this event, so I will wait to keep talking.

Klaire...
-I could just tear up! She is now wearing Karoline's clothes from her 1st birthday. I don't know why this has been emotional for me. They have always shared clothes, but for some reason this is different. Klaire is starting to walk. She wants to hold your fingers and go, go, go! She can say "ma ma" and "da da". She is just the sweetest thing in the world!

Doctors...
-Both girlies have been struggling this new year with colds, ear aches...you know the list. I think they are both pretty good now. Karoline has been diagnosed with sleep apnea. We are looking at having her tonsils/adnoids removed in June. Anybody have any good advice for toddlers and surgery. I know it's not a huge deal but it is when it's your baby. We go back in a month for a sleep study.

Jared and I...
-We have been having more dates!!! Thank you Lord! I have been so proud of us for making time for each other. I didn't realize it would be so hard to "date" again. We went to dinner the other night and out to The Village. I couldn't tell you the last time we had dinner out without food being thrown at us, a child screaming, or shoveling food down our throats! :) It was lovely!

I have tons and I mean TONS of pictures! Have patience with me. They are coming!