Thursday, December 30, 2010

My Friend, My Sister in Christ - Cathy


Meet my friend & sister in Christ Cathy Payne!
I met Cathy 12 years ago this past November. To say she has watched me go through some stuff is minimum. She has always been a source of prayer and Godly wisdom. Cathy is a minister and a dynamic woman of God. When we were at retreat in November she told us about an opportunity that God had opened up for her. Cathy will leave in 2 days to go to Asia and minister for a month. After that to Africa for a few weeks. I am asking my fellow bloggers to please pray for Cathy & the team she will be ministering with. I know that Cathy and John (her husband) hold a special place in the Taylor's hearts. We will be lifting them up daily. So if you have a daily prayer list we would ask you to add a couple more names.
God Bless and we love you and are continuing to lift you up Sister Cathy.
Much Love from The Taylor's

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

HOME!

We are finally at home! It was a long day! It was rainy and nasty but we are here.
The girls & I went to church tonight and now we are all ready for bed in our beds.
We are so thankful for our time with our family in Tennessee. I cant wait to get everything put away, new dishwasher installed and get us all back together.
I pray you all have had a wonderful Christmas.

**I am finally about to get into my own bed!!! After a week I am looking forward to it!

Sunday, December 26, 2010

Grateful!


In the recent blog entries I have shared our holiday memories. I just want to say I totally enjoyed my Christmas. I had my sweet little family and was able to spend it with extended. Thanks to Brian for giving up a lit time with his parents and family to share in my world. Love ya! And we are smiling and supporting our soon to be Champs Razorbacks!

Christmas with the Max family






For those of you who don't know these folks. This is my mothers side of the family. We gathered at Aunt Christi's and had a great meal, shared gifts and took tons of pictures. The first one is Ma & her great grand children that were there. Then there is Ma & her grandchildren that attended. (we were missing some special cousins). Then there is Kim & Terrance & Ma. Christi playing Santa, and last there is me and my "baby" brother!!
Enjoy!

Christmas Morning with Ma Shirley & our kiddos!





This year we decided to be in Tennessee for Christmas! We have only done it 2 in 14 Christmas' together. it is certainly more work for us but we both knew I needed to be with my family. Christmas morning was so much fun with out girls. They were all very pleased with their gifts.
Maddison asked for a bow and arrow, Mikel Ann a karaoke machine, and Hannah Jane wanted games for her DS & dvd player. (might I ask they got Tv from Oma & Pepaw)
Brian had asked for an airplane for his office and I was just proud to have ALL my family together. However Brian surprised me with a remote starter on my truck.. I am in love because I HATE going to a cold car in the am.... Thanks to Ma & Aunt Clara for sharing Christmas morning with us! Here are a few pictures.... Enjoy....

Christmas Eve @ Oma & Pepaws



Christmas Eve was so much fun! I always look forward to seeing and being with my sisters. I love seeing my sweet nieces and nephews. Oma and Pepaw always out do themselves. The food and presents are always out of this world.
These are just a couple of pictures. Before presents Oma sat all the kids down and let this sweet little bear tell the night before Christmas. The kids listened more intently than I thought they would. However a couple of mommies got in trouble for laughing and being loud!! :-) We were reminiscing about our spankings with the "hairbrush". LOL
After the story we all watched as our children as they tore into the presents Oma and Pepaw got. They really out done themselves again this year.

Thanks for a great time had by all Oma & Pepaw!

Merry Christmas!!!


This picture is at Oma's! The below is us ice skating at an outside arena!

The following entries will show some our Christmas travels and fun times. But first I wanted to just do my own meditating.....
Christmas this year has been awesome. Much better than I ever imagined and much better than I deserve for sure. With the recent sickness and loss we were surely not ready for the holiday. But it came and we enjoyed being together. Thanks to all our friends and family who support us and love us and have helped get us to this point.
Lots of Love.... Enjoy our Christmas Journey.....

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

My Bestie!!!!!!


Well So I have this Best Friend. Her name is Alicia. You guess it that is us! I just want her to know how much her friendship means to me. Alicia you are a great friend. I love hanging out at Walmart till midnight and I love chatting till 2. You are one of a kind. I hope you never forget that.

LOVE YA!!!

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Thought I would share!

Luke 2:16-20 (NIV) "So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen which were just as they had been told."

Are you ready for the holidays? For some people, that question spurs exciting thoughts of beautifully decorated tables filled with scrumptious meals, festive shopping trips, extended family time, brightly wrapped gifts under a tree ... the "Walton" kind of holiday. For others, the holiday season is a very difficult and dark time that is to be endured rather than enjoyed. According to the American Institute of Stress, more than 110 million Americans take medication for stress-related causes each week. During the holiday season, another one million people battle what experts refer to as the "holiday blues." I am very familiar with depression and the pain it holds and must constantly battle to stay out of that pit.

Depression is an emotional, mental, physical and spiritual disorder. Something is out of balance. We have buried some pain instead of confronting it or have misplaced our trust and sought help from impotent sources. In order to deal with depression, we must first come to a place of total and complete surrender to God and His plan of healing - even if we cannot see or do not understand that plan. The bottom line of God's heart toward His children is always restoration and healing.

While I am not a big fan of television, I do enjoy watching a few select home improvement shows. On a recent program, an interior decorator and home owner were discussing a list of changes that needed to be made in order to update the home. "First, we have to do something about those windows," the decorator announced. I was surprised that she had listed this task first - until I saw the house. The existing glass was not only an ugly shade of gold but was thick and chunky as well. The windows let in no light and made it virtually impossible to see in or out. The result was a dark, isolated home. The distressed homeowner protested, "But I like my privacy. And if I thought anyone could see in, I would feel totally exposed." When it comes to dealing with depression, many people feel the same way.

We construct walls over which no one can climb because the cost of friendship is too high. We fill the windows of our soul with emotional excuses in order to avoid dealing with pain. The result is darkness, loneliness and missed opportunities for restoration. We don't want to understand depression or find the treasures of that darkness; we simply want to be rid of it. Many people try to understand and deal with depression on a surface level - refusing to face painful experiences, difficult relationships and, in general, the broken places where darkness lives. We look for the nearest exit, hoping to bypass transparency because the price is just too much to pay. Emotional integrity is an essential step to recognizing, understanding and dealing with depression. We must be real before we can be right, and until we are willing to risk being transparent, we can neither understand nor effectively deal with depression during the holidays or any other time of the year.

The holidays seem to tug at the masks we carefully hold in place or push the emotional buttons we desperately try to hide. The arrival of family members can resurrect painful issues that have never really been resolved. Financial pressure opens up like a sink hole waiting to steal our joy and destroy our peace. Schedules demand every ounce of energy and false expectations leave us empty and hollow. Before we realize it, the dark, slimy pit swallows us up. It is not supposed to be that way, girlfriend!

Make this Christmas season a time of praise. Choose to focus on the victories and joys you have experienced during the year and then find ways to share that victory and joy with others. Christmas can be a true celebration of fresh starts and new beginnings, if we choose to focus on a tiny baby born in a manger, come to save us and give us true life. The darkness can be destroyed if we choose to face and deal with whatever it holds. Right now, choose an attitude of joy by focusing your mind on the things of heaven - not earth, and by fixing your heart on Jesus Christ.

Father, I want this holiday season to one that is filled with light instead of darkness. Please help me discard my emotional masks and be real before You as well as with my family and friends. Give me the courage to be obedient to You in every holiday setting. Give me eyes to see those You bring into my life that need my encouragement because they are on the same journey. Father, prepare and enable me to make this holiday season an offering of praise to You.

In Jesus' name,

Amen.

My Favorite For the week!!!

Sunday our pastor made a statement and it has stuck with me!!!!

Just because you are Christian does not immune you from Stupid!!!

Boy am I glad cause I do some stupid stuff somedays. Thanks Pasor Burton... You made my day!

Monday, December 20, 2010

I am no Super Woman! I Need Grace! I Need You Father!

It has been one of those days I questioned EVERYTHING! God why? Why does this hurt so bad? Why do I seem to loose those I love? Why is it that tragedy and heartache have become a part of my life?????
The girls were in bed already. Brian was sound asleep. The dishes needed attention and laundry well you get the picture.
I had spent the day with the girls; cooking, cleaning, folding laundry, singing Christmas carols, and did some baking.(and 2 drs appointments in the middle) Expecting to fall asleep soon I thought I would read a little.

In the last few weeks I have been riding an emotional roller coaster that I thought would never stop. I often wondered when is enough. God when will it stop? God is it true the weeping only endures for a night and joy comes in the morning. Wow I honestly couldn't grasp it.

Last week I received a CD with a sermon on it called, Grace that is good for me.
I listened to it probably half dozen times now. I had taken notes and the paper was in my bible. How timely! WOW! God teach me that things don't just happen for "A reason but for my good and your Glory!

Father help me to learn that in EVERYTHING you have my best interest at heart. Father you love me so much that nothing comes to me with out going through your hands. Father my heart believes that your Grace is enough. My heart believes your love for me surpasses all.
God teach me to lean hard into you.. YOU alone are all I need.

Lord as the next few days approach, please send your peace, love and understanding to my heart. Allow me to enjoy my time with my family and lean into You to conquer my fears.
Psalms 139~~ You are my maker, & I was made to worship You.
Now Lord cover my family as we prepare to travel. Keep us safe and close to you.
Amen!

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Sing Joy!


Tonight was our choir production at church. I am totally blessed to be a part of a wonderful church choir. There is never a dull moment while we are together, but there is never a time when we feel alone. The choir is a family. When one hurts we all hurt. When one is in need we reach out and meet the need.
I am so proud to be a part of this family. Thank you Robin Bateman for investing in us, believing in us, and just showing us your heart and allowing us to be a part of your world!

We love you! Merry Christmas!

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Can I really play Hide & Seek from you?

I think I'm hidden from your view,
No one will find me, not even you
I just cant bear for You to see the ugly, sinful parts of me
Lord, Your holy pure and good
I fear Ill be misunderstood
How it grips my heart to risk rejection
What will you say of my imperfects?
Beginning with fig leaves I tried to hide
With shallow busyness disguising my pride
So I raise my mask of expectation in superficial conversation
Oh much deeper I long to go
I know my heart should be your home
Can I let myself be fully known
Or will fear and mistrust keep me alone
Why do I think I can hide from You
Nothing has escaped your view
The light came on bright as day
Nothing shocks you, you wont turn away
I surrender my fear what sweet relief
Vulnerable and open for you to see
My disguise is stripped all is revealed
In your perfect love, all is healed..

Sunday, December 5, 2010

First the Suffering

And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will Himself complete and make you what you ought to be, established and ground you securely, and strengthen, and settle you. 1Peter 5:10

"Why do we have to suffer?" "If God truly loves us why do all the bad things happen to us?"For 1000's of years I am sure people smarter than I am have asked and wrestled with the same questions, and they still haven't discovered the answers. I dont even try to answer those questions anymore. I do have a statement I would like to say right there though. "If God only blessed us after we became believers- if he took away all suffering, hardship, and turmoil for Christians- wouldn't it be a way to bribe people into the faith?"
Thats not how God works. The Lord wants us to come to Him out of love and because we know we're needy- so needy that only He can fill those needs for us.
The reality is that from birth until we go home to be with Jesus we will suffer at times. Some have harder times that others, but suffering is still suffering.
I also think that when people watch us as we turn to God for help in our hardships and they see our victories, it provides a witness to them. That witness may not always make them turn to Christ, but it does show Gods presence in our lives and makes them aware of what they're missing.
Yes, we will suffer as children of God. The other day I had a thought about this; Suffering results in thanksgiving. When our lives turn to chaotic and we dont know what to do, we turn to the Lord for help, and He answers us. He answers our prayers and sets us free. And as a result- WE ARE THANKFUL!
I believe the time between suffering and thankful is when satan really attacks us in our thoughts. He may begin by saying, "if God really loved you, you would not have to go through this." It is satans subtle way of saying to us that serving God is useless.... I BEG TO DIFFER!!!!! The truth is problems will come if we are believers or nonbelievers. AS BELIEVERS- we will have VICTORIES! As a believer we can have peace in the midst of a storm, we can enjoy life even with the storm raging, because we can know that God is working on our behalf even when satan is raging all around. I KNOW THAT MY GOD WILL DELIVER ME!
The next attack is satan whispering how it is not going to get any better. He (satan) tells us we have served God for nothing. Satan will tell us if this happens when you serve God what could be worse if you don't. If God truly cared, he wouldnt let you suffer.....
THIS is where we have to stand firm and know without a doubt that GOD is working for us.
Job lost everything; his children, posessions and his health. But he continues to say"I..... thought He slay me, yet I will I wait and trust him" job13:15---
Job refused to allow satan to attack his mind and make him question God. How often do we allow satan to attack our mind? Job never said he understood everything, he simply knew that God was with him and he never doubted the love and presence of God.
THAT IS THE ATTITUDE I am strieving for. We dont have to understand it or explain it----
We just must know that God ask us to always trust Him.
Obediance is a requirement-understanding is optional..... (simple enough huh)

I love you!



Just a little note to say I love you! Brian you make my life complete and I didn't even know it until it was almost too late. God is faithful in all things. I am so proud to call you my husband. I see God turning our mourning in to dancing and our tears into joy. You are more than a conquer through Jesus Christ. I know you are frustrated right now but God is FAITHFUL! He has moved in our lives in a way I had not dreamed. I am thankful GOD DOES NOT LIVE IN OUR BOX!!

Much love to you baby today and always. I will not move one step away from your side. Thanks for sharing life with me..

Thursday, December 2, 2010

My Three precious Jewels!




As the end of the day comes and night falls I have a full heart to share with my GIRLS! It is said our blogs are kinda like a scrap book so here goes.
MAddison, Hannah & Mikel Briann...... I love you more than any words could say.
In the last two weeks we as a family have gone thru some stuff. Somedays you girls were what made me get out of bed.
I am so proud of what I see you becoming. Right before my very eyes you are growing into little ladies. You are beginning your journeys as Christians and beginning to move in the realm of who you are in Christ.
I love you all. You have enriched my life greatly. I cannot imagine not being your mommy. I can't imagine you not being in my life.
You three are beautiful. I love you all.......

God knew what He was doing when He gave you to me. I pray for you daily and I am thankful to Him. God gave you to me and I pray I am doing everything He has for us as a family. Much Love my precious jewels!

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Calming the Storm

Some people love the howling winds, flashing lightening and crashing thunder during a storm. Other people cower in fear. It's easy to look at others reactions when you feel safe. But when your security is gone and you're staring destruction in the face, it's not easy to be courageous.
I think of the disciples in Matthew 8... They were in great danger. Their fear was not unfolded. When we hit "sudden" storms what do we do? We all face furious test. Some are more dangerous than some but some are out of our control. I have found that Jesus sleeps until we ask him to help. I see so many times in my life where I "bailed" water if you will before I woke Him and handed it to Him. I often wonder how people around me calm their storms? Do we immediately turn to God or do we carry it alone. In terror the disiples wake Jesus. "Lord save us" . In our personal storms how much are we like the disciples? Do we sit in secret and wait for the storm to pass. I am guilty of both.
I am amazed at each time Jesus steps into the waters and calms my storms. Notice He usually doesnt step in until I have called Him. And most of the time He ask some questions if we will listen, Are the waves still sweeping over the boat? I don't know about you but it is so easy to trust and be calm when the storm has passed. My God has asked me in the last week to TRUST HIM in the storm. I don't ever want to wavier or surprise God, I want HIM to know I will and DO TRUST HIM!
~~Fear is a normal human reaction. But it is not how we should live our lives, even when we are walking through a storm. When I am afraid I pray I can do as David did. He says, When I am afraid I will TRUST in God. Psalms 56:3
I believe (and am being tested) that fear is an opportunity to expand our faith in God. It is an opportunity to run to the Lord as your shelter, WE find refuge "under His wings". (Psalms 91:4)
I know that when we bring our fears, anxieties, and concerns to God, the only ONE who is fully able to calm your storms and defeat the giants that come against you and your family.
Be blessed today

Monday, November 29, 2010

Thank you Father!

So today started like any other day. Getting three kids up for school hitting doctors appointments and well just life. We here in the Taylor house are really learning to appreciate the little things. What I didn't take time to do this morning is pray over the girls. Maddison has been going through a lot lately. With her changing schools 3 weeks ago she is a little uncertain. When I realized I had not prayed with them I prayed immediately. Throughout the day I said a few extra prayers for her. She had band practice after school, so when I picked her up at 5 here was our conversation.

Me: Hey babe. Did you have a good day?
Maddison: Mom it was good.
Me: PTL. Well what happened today that made it better than before.
Maddison: Well today I realized you forgot to pray with us before school. It is ok. I know you have been stressed lately.
Me: Baby I am so sorry. I am never too busy to pray with you.
Maddison: So when I got in class I prayed for you mom. Then I asked God to be with all us girls at school today. And you know what Jesus heard me and I had a great day!
Me: Maddison I am so proud of you and how you are learning to lean on Jesus.
Maddison: Mom that's what happens when you let the holy spirit in. Now I know why you find comfort in him, mom. I am telling you I got the Lord now I will be okay mom.

*************************************************************************************
What you guys may not know is Maddison went to a youth retreat 2 weeks ago. She for herself had an awesome experience with God. She got filled with the holy ghost and wow what a change I have seen in her.
Thank you father for touching my girl. And reminding me that she is YOUR GIRL!

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Black Friday Shopping are you serious???








And here we are. We left at 10pm Thanksgiving night. I have to say it was unexpected but I had a good time. My stepmom, sisters, g-ma, aunt, & cousin. It was great. The pictures say it all.
Good memories made and hey who knows I may do it again next year.... NOT!

Thanksgiving at Oma's







Thanksgiving at Oma's (Jackie my step mom) was a great day. These pictures are of me and my sisters. There is one of me and Molly and Cale Michael & I. I absolutely am so blessed to be with them during this season of our lives.
Thank you Father for my family.. More pictures on facebook. Check them out!

Thanksgiving 2010


Thanksgiving Day we spent with both sides of my family. It was a bittersweet day so I am going to stay on the positive and leave the negative. It started with going to my aunt Cindy's. (moms side)I love seeing my family. Lately family has become more important than ever.

My favorite part of being at Aunt Cindy's was seeing my cousin Kim. It has been a long time since we talked and we both admitted it had been too long. Kim looked great and I was very grateful to see her.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Good Morning Wednesday

This morning has come early but oh well who needs sleep. I hope and pray each of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Life is way to short to not be thankful.
I am thankful to God for touching my life and turning it around. Living for Him is something I will never regret or get tired of doing.
I am thankful for Brian, Maddison, Hannah Jane, & Mikel Briann. I am even more grateful for the times that God has been there in a way that without a doubt you knew it was Him.

Be Blessed and Have a wonderful holiday with the ones you love!

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Listen to KerriT123s Playlist


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Hello Again!

It has been brought to my attention that I haven't been blogging! Duh I just realized tonight it has been a yr!!! WOW!!!
So I have kept up with you all but well, really there is no way to catch you up so we will keep up as we go. Got it! Got it!

It is almost Thanksgiving and I am most thankful for my family. My sweet family has grown a lot this year. Brian and I have been married 13 years, Maddison is 12 in the 7th grade, Hannah Jane is 10 in the 5th grade and Mikel Briann is 9 in the 4th grade.

We have taken a cruise this year, girls have gone to church camp. Mommy has done Ladies Retreat and Daddy takes vacations with us when he can. I think some of my foundest memories are when it was just us doing what we do.

There are oh so may things to catch up on. I will do my best to blog daily.

As we approach this holiday season all I would ask is for you to remember what it's about. God has truly blessed us all and there is plenty to be thankful for.