Happy Father's Day!

Dear Clark, 

I will never forget when you became a Dad.  Parenthood turned our world upside down, and you have been with me every step of the way!  You were the kind of dad that changed diapers, helped with bath time, bandaged the many injuries, calmed wild boys (and sometimes made them even wilder!), you made fires, fished, fervently sought the Lord's will throughout our adoption of Isabella, taught two boys to drive, soothed hurt feelings, helped with Science Fair Projects, as well as all homework, (now even college homework), and the list goes on and on and on.  You are without a doubt the spiritual leader of our home, and the hardest working man that I know.  

Happy Father's Day to the world's most deserving man!  

We love you and think you are the greatest!

I love you most,
LaTrisa

Dear Dad, 

Thank you dad for everything you have done for our family!  

The early mornings leaving for work and the late nights coming home.  

Thank you for all the love and support you have given us! 

Most of all, thank you for teaching me what it means to be a Godly man.  

                                                                

Love you, Dad....Avery

Dear Dad, 

Happy Father's Day!  

I love you so much, and words can't even describe the respect  that I have for you.  

You have shown me what it is like to be a Godly man, 

and have taught me how a father is to act. 

And that is something I will never take for granted.  

Love, Riley

Dear Dad, 

You are the best dad a son could ask for.  

You're the most amazing, loving, and caring dad in the world!  

I love you dad so much.  

Thank you for everything you've done for our family.  

You really are SUPER MAN!

 

Love, Landry

Dear Dad,

You are the best dad on earth!  

You make me smile.  You are a funny and kind dad.  I love you so much. 

You are my dad and I am your daughter, forever, I will always love you.  

You are strong, and my friend.  

I know you will always be there for me even at my darkest hour.  

When you hug me, I smile.  When you kiss me, I laugh.  

I will always love you!

 XOXOXOXO, Isabella P.
(Isabella also included many drawings of heart, stars. and flowers that I could not replicate on the computer.  lol.)

Hallmark doesn't always say it best...

"The just man walketh in his integrity, his children are blessed after him." Proverbs 20:7

"Whoever fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for their children it will be a refuge." Proverbs 14:26

Standing in the Gap...

I took my little circus to the prayer room on that Sunday night many years ago.  I had a seven year old, a four year old, and an infant.  We were brand new to First Apostolic Church.  I was nervous about establishing our family in the flow of church life, but at that moment I was more concerned about keeping my boys calm enough to utter a few words of pre-service prayer.  I heard a voice fervently praying nearby.  It startled me when the lady on her knees called my oldest son's name out in prayer. It was my son's new teacher.  She prayed that Avery would feel comfortable in his new classroom, and quickly make new friends.  She asked the Lord to keep His hand of protection on him, and bless his life.  I was amazed.  This teacher had known my son for less than a week, and she was fervently calling his name out before the king of kings.  I listened in astonishment as she continued to pray for each child in her classroom.  She prayed for healing upon them, situations in their families, and their success as a student.  She continued to call the names of her high school students as well. She asked for special blessings upon each of them, as well as particular needs they had in their lives. Next, came each of her piano students.  She asked that the Lord would use their talents for His glory. Tears streamed down my face as I heard her love for her students in the depths of her prayers. 

My son has since graduated.  In fact, all four of my children have been the recipients of Sis. Karen Kirby's prayers and teaching.  She has taught each of them to read, write their names, and even quote their prepositions.  All of Sis. Kirby's students know that, "You get what you get, and don't pitch a fit!"  More importantly she has taught all of them the power of servanthood.  

Not in her school lessons, 

not in her words, 

but in her actions.  

I received a text from Sis. Kirby last Wednesday.  She was encouraging ME, reminding me that by God's stripes my daughter was going to receive a needed healing.  Reminding me 

God has a plan for Isabella's life, 

but my job was to trust and obey.  

Not our will, but His.  

My friend, Sis. Karen Kirby, 

has stood in the gap for many of our children.  

Now it is our turn to stand in the gap for her.  

Join me tomorrow as Sis. Kirby undergoes surgery.

For where two or three are gathered together 

in my name, there am I in the midst of them. 

Matthew 18:20

A Letter To My Freshmen

Dear Riley,

Your very first day of school seemed such a short time ago, and yet today, you start HIGH SCHOOL! Unbelievable!  I remember your first day of Kindergarten well.  I was teaching that year, and Dad took you to class.  I was welcoming my new students, but my heart was down the hall with you!

To say that I am proud to be your mom is an understatement!  There have been thousands of times since you were a little boy that I just wanted to scream to the world, "He's MY kid, and he is amazing!"  For instance, there was the time you were four years old and so excited to sing in Kid's Choir. You squeezed those big brown eyes tight, threw your hands in the air, and worshiped as hard as you could through "Jesus You're My Super Hero."  Just the other day, you and I were running errands, and I couldn't find you in the store.  You were a few aisles over, helping an elderly gentleman with his groceries.  I had to control the tears, because it was of those heart-bursting moments.

Of all of our family, you and I are the most similar...from our love to being at home, to needing our own space, from our grumpiness ;) to our craziness, to our deep love for family.  Our similarities have created a special bond between the two of us that I will forever treasure.   I have known from the time you were a small boy of the Lord's call on your life.  He made it very clear to you a couple of years ago at Strong Tower.  I pray you never forget the realness of that moment.  There was another time when I was crying out to the Lord in Avery's room.  I was questioning the Lord and pleading with Him for his healing.  You wrapped your arms around me and spoke to me about faith, and all things working together for good, and the promises of the Lord to never forsake us.  As a mother, I am supposed to be the leader/encourager/faith builder, and yet you were the one allowing the Lord to use you to minister to your mom.  It was then that I knew.  His plans for you were beyond mine.

Does all of this come without a price?  No.  Does walking the narrow path make life easier? No.  Are trying times coming up during your High school years?  Yes.

One thing that Dad and I have stressed over the years is that you must have a daily walk with the Lord.  Bible reading and prayer is essential - every. single. day.  Where much is given, much is required.  And you have certainly been given much.  High school years are a turning point in so many ways.  Make sure you are steadfast in your relationship with the Lord.  If so, when temptation comes (and it will) you will have the ability to flee.  It will be a shaping time in your life.  The devil tries his best to destroy young men from every angle.  Know that it is coming, but also know that you have the authority with the power of the Holy Ghost to overcome anything he sends your way.  You would make a handsome trophy on his mantle.  Dad and I will fight with everything in us to keep that from happening, but the ultimate decision is up to you.

....Stay close to your brothers.  I know one of them drives you up a wall at times, but they will always be your closest friends.

....Choose your other friends wisely.  Make sure they are building you up spiritually and not tearing you down.

....Continue to be a leader, but know that leaders are ultimately lead by the Lord.

....Keep powerful men in your life, such as your dad and your pastor.  Their voice of wisdom can speak through the "noise" of this world.

....Always be an example to your little sister.  Show her what being a man of God really is, so she will know how to decipher the genuine from the fake.

....Be safe, think before you act - especially for your mom's sake. :)

....Do your best in your academics and sports.  Take pride in trying harder.  Push yourself to do more, to be more.

....Have fun!  Laugh often every day.

....Never doubt how much dad and I love you and know that we are cheering you on in everything you do in life!

I love you,
Mom
XOXOXO

Zechariah 4:10 "For who has despised the day of small things? ...these are the eyes of the LORD which range to and fro throughout the earth."

We serve a huge God who loves to use small things.
Often the small moment is when He speaks biggest to me.
It makes my worries feel like a waste of time.
He reminds me in those moments that HE KNOWS.

A few Sundays ago, we had a small thing come up in Isabella's life.  Some of the girls had been holding their arms up to hers and saying how all of their skin was white, but that she was not.  Our girl is a very deep thinker, and her round eyes were full of questions.   

"Mom, is there something wrong with having brown skin?"  

Sometimes your heart hurts when your kids ask hard questions.  I quickly began to tell her how beautiful her brown skin is.  I explained that people paid money and went to great lengths to get her color of skin. I told her how pretty any color looks on her, because of her skin tone.  But, those eyes were still full of frustration.  

"But Mom, why is my skin brown and not white like the other girls."

Hard questions are...hard.  Isabella has faint memories of her birth mother, and we have had several conversations concerning her.  I am sure there are more to come.  However, she has never met or mentioned her birth father.  I explained that her birth father was from Mexico, and the Lord has given beautiful, brown skin to Mexican people.  Since she is a part of her birth mom and birth dad then she also has brown skin like him.  God made her just the way He wants her to be.  I told her that God loves and uses all people.  No matter what their skin color - brown, black, red, yellow or white. However, I could tell she was still worried and confused.

Later, we went to our Sunday evening service.  It "just so happened" that we had a visiting evangelist that evening.  His name was Bro. Garza.  He had a big, booming voice that grabbed our attention! Before his sermon, he introduced himself as a man from Mexico and God promised to love him and use him no matter what his skin color was - brown, black, red, yellow or white!  Isabella looked at me in absolute amazement.  "Mom, he said the same thing you did!"  I told her I felt the Lord arranged for Bro. Garza to be there at our church on that night, just for her.  I watched as the frustration and questions turned to awe and contentment.  

Small things.  He arranged this moment for my daughter, just to reassure her.  There is no doubt in my mind.  He arranged it for me, also.  There are always the worries of other hard questions concerning her adoption.  The fear of giving the wrong answers, and other fears as well.  He will be there before we get there.  

The sparrow,
the widow's lost coins,
the little boy's lunch,
the mustard seed,
a baby in a manger.
Small things.
He uses them to show us how big he really is.

The Servant

A late Mother's Day post...Motherhood is my favorite thing to do in all the world.  However, at times it is exhausting, heartbreaking, and messy.  I am thankful the Lord can take even my failures as a mom and turn them into miracles!  

She cleaned up milk for the third time that morning. The baby had been teething all night and was crying in his crib. The breakfast dishes were in the sink, and the fire needed to be replenished. Her oldest was out chopping wood, so she could get the bread baked for the next meal. Exhaustion filled every fiber of her being. Her "to do list" was an impossibility. Of all days, Matthius, her husband had been called to the temple for a meeting. That meant she would be responsible for the outside chores, as well.

A cool breeze floated through her Bethsaida home. She sat down for a moment to enjoy it and rest her aching feet. The baby had stopped crying, and she closed her eyes in the stillness. However, the quietness lasted only a second. "Mama, come quickly. We must hurry!" The voice of Joshua, her oldest son, came through the window. He was flushed, breathless, and full of boyish excitement. "Let's go, Mama. He is here, in our town! I have heard so much about him! Oh, I can't wait until he speaks to the crowd." His energy level made her feel even more exhausted. "Joshua, slow down! Tell me, who is here? What is so special about this man?" Joshua answered, "Jesus of Nazareth! He is the prophet that father has been telling us about, the wise one that knows all things. The crowd is gathering! Hurry, Mama!"

A peaceful afternoon on the hillside sounded wonderful! Sadly, she looked around at all the things needing to be done. The chores inside the house were mounting, and the animals outside needed tending. The baby's stubborn new teeth were causing a fever. She looked at her flushed first born. Oh, how she loved him. He was born with the gift of a generous heart. She knew from the moment she saw him that Jehovah had great plans for him. Now he had an opportunity to learn from the great Rabbi. How could she refuse him?

"Son, I can not go. A mother's job is never done. I will allow you to go if you stay with the crowd. Do not wander off." Joyfully, he went running toward the door, "Thank you, Mama! Thank you!" She laughed and told him to wait just a moment, so she could fix him a lunch. After all, breakfast was several hours ago, and she knew what an appetite her hungry boy had. "Hurry, Mama! I do not want to miss one word that Jesus says!" She quickly packed him a lunch of five small loaves of leftover breakfast bread and two small fish. With a quick peck on the cheek, he was out the door.

She watched his bare feet stir up the dust as he ran to meet a group of boys. With a heavy heart she went to the well for water to wash the breakfast dishes. The sun rose in the sky as she accomplished her tasks for the day. Thankfully, the baby's teeth broke through, so he wasn't as fussy as the night before. She began to wonder when motherhood had turned to servanthood. She was so excited with the knowledge of each new baby added to their family. But, with each bundle came more responsibility. Every day was filled before the sun rose. Each night ended with tasks left undone.

As a young Jewish girl, she felt she had a great mission to fulfill. She longed to be a part of a miracle, to fulfill the will of Jehovah. There were times when she felt so close to Him. Now, when she had a moment to give Him, she just fell asleep in exhaustion. Long ago, she had talents to offer. Now her talents consisted of preparing meals, washing laundry, and collecting eggs from her hens. Her frustration seemed to mount on the days that her family went to the temple. Her husband sat with the Rabbis, leaving her to tend to the restless children. Many days, she had to take the baby outside the temple gates during the reading of the scrolls. Often, she wondered why she bothered going at all! So much for her being a part of a miracle.

She heard a commotion in the midst of the village, as she carried laundry out to dry in the late afternoon sun. Everyone was talking and several of the ladies were carrying large baskets. She ran to see what had caused the excitement. The baskets were filled with fresh baked bread and others were filled with delicious fish! Such bountiful blessings! She asked one of the elderly ladies in the village, "But, where did it all come from?"

She received answers at once from every direction.

"There were thousands of us on the hillside."

"We were mesmerized by this man called Jesus! I felt such peace while sitting at his feet!"

"We were so enthralled that we didn't realize how hungry we were!"

"There was a boy from this very village that gave his lunch to the great Rabbi."

"Jesus, blessed the boy's lunch and began to break it. The more he divided it, the more plentiful the lunch!"

"It was a miracle, one like I have never seen before!"

"Jesus fed over 5,000 of us with one generous boy's lunch!"

The busy mother began to feel her exhaustion slip from her. With breathless excitement, she asked if the lunch originally had five loaves and two fish. "Yes," a friend said, "that is the one!" Her tired feet began to run with renewed energy towards the hillside. She knew that bread had baked in her very own stone oven. As she made her way out of the village, she counted twelve baskets of leftovers! Her Joshua was a part of the miracle. His generous heart was used by Jesus! She wanted Jesus to know who she was. She was the mama of the generous boy. She made the miracle lunch! He must know!

As she ran, she repented of her earlier frustrations. The servanthood of motherhood was not a burden. What a beautiful reminder this miracle was! Everyday, mundane moments are merely opportunities to serve her children with the love of God. This love will one day shape their own hearts to serve. More importantly, they will be used in His kingdom to make a difference, to be a part of the miracle. There is no greater calling than to serve the ones the Lord gave especially to her. Deep inside her heart she knew Jehovah blessed her when she served. She knew she was her happiest when she poured her heart into her family.

The hillside was crowded. She knew who Jesus was the second she saw Him. There was a special presence about him, although he looked like the other men. In frustration, she pushed though the crowd, but could not reach him. He was getting into a boat and leaving. The people were wading into the water, trying to touch him. As loudly as she could, she called his name. The wind whipped her voice away and hid it in the midst of the people. And yet, he turned and looked straight at her. His eyes looked deeply into her soul. He smiled. She was the boy's mama that he chose to use that day. There were even greater things in store for her son, because of the things she had instilled in him. He saw her daily acts of servanthood and turned them into a miracle. Jesus knew, that like him, she was called to serve.

At least I am not as old as I will be next year...

The signs are everywhere.  I am getting old.  It doesn't depress me; it surprises me how fast the years go.  I see it in the empty chairs around my dinner table, because my teenagers often seem to be someplace else.   It is there in some of Isabella and Landry's toys that go untouched.  She would rather write long, detailed stories in her journal.  He would rather shoot hoops with his brothers.  Of course, signs of age look back at me in the mirror!

I went to the doctor today and found yet one more example of the aging process.  My doctor sat across from me and in his serious doctor voice said, "If you were my wife I would recommend that we go this direction.  "  I started laughing, I couldn't help it.  He asked me what in the world was so funny.  It just seems that all my life, doctors have been saying..."If you were my daughter - not my WIFE!"  He did not find the humor in the situation.  Actually, he seems a bit puzzled by me.  

One day soon, a doctor will look at me and say, "Ma'am, if you were my own mother..."  Then, I will know I am really old!

Happy 20th wedding anniversary to my beautiful wife.

20 things I love about LaTrisa Hope Presson:

1. She's a wonderful woman who has indelibly marked her children's heart with a love for God

2. Has loved me when I didn't deserve it.

3. She's the kind of lady who won't go to Wal Mart without fixin' up,

4. Will wash (what looks to me like) clean clothes,

5. Believes a hot meal for her family is a sacred event,

6. Wants her little girl to look like a princess (all the time),

7. Sincerely appreciates it when her man cleans her vehicle,

8. Could make millions of dollars as an interior decorator,

9. Could be National Teacher of the Year becasue she has a natural "knack" for handling children,

10. Once threw a skirt on the back patio in the middle of the night becasue she had a dream that it was highly flammible,

11. Knows how to make good snow cream (She must be from Illinois),

12. Can put ideas into words on a page in a way that causes other to emote along with her,

13. Pitched a baseball with me for the first time in her life when we were dating and acted like she'd grown up on the ball diamond,

14. Like to have candles lit around the house when the remote possbility exists of a power outage,

15. Has always been the "go to" person when you're trying to come up with an idea for anything from a party favorite to a name for a new ministry at church,

16. Can look at a 20 year old candid picture of us and remember what we were talking about at that exact moment in time,

17. On a road trip she groggily wakes up from sleeping, after I hit a bump, and absently asks me if she should drive (and then she goes back to sleep),

18. Love that she loves old Columbo episodes (or most anything from the 70's and 80's probably becasue she didn't have a TV growing up)

19. Wants the best woman possible for her boys (each one a different woman, of course) and the best man for her girl

20. Still likes to be kissed (by ME) after 20 years

20 years and counting...

What a difference a day makes...

February 25, 1995

A day when dreams came true

201 C Street Bemis, TN - our first home

Tears of homesickness, but happy to be married!

1997 - Avery Matthew Presson - our hearts forever changed

Bent Oaks Drive - 1st time home owners

Prayers and thanksgiving - everyday

2000 - Riley Lance Presson - another boy to love

Busy with Lighthouse, work, and keeping up with 2 busy boys

2002 - Cancer, surgeries, and treatments. Much sickness - but we made it!

Bushels and bushels of laughs

Hugs and kisses aplenty

A handful (or two) of disagreements along the way.

2004 - Major life change and move to Maryville, TN

2004 - Landry Clark Presson - 3 boys and oh, what fun!

2 homes in the Foothills of Tennessee

Laundry, laundry and more laundry

2012 - The year of "Isabella Hope" - our hearts were full

2 more homes and we are in this one to stay (at least for awhile ;))

Memories stacked on memories that I treasure beyond any worldly good. 

Thankful the Lord created you, to make this journey with me

Twenty years

February 25, 2015

I have loved you for 7304 days

I am not finished yet...

Twenty Year Old Miracles

Miracles. They happen everyday. Sadly, we forget some of them. Others are etched into our minds as if they happened seconds ago. Twenty years ago this month I experienced an unforgettable miracle.

It was a typical Illinois blustery, winter day. The weather forecast was calling for high winds, whiteouts, heavy drifting, power outages and more. However, it was cozy and warm in my classroom. My students were busy with their craft. Dominique, one of my favorites, looked out the window at the swirling snow. He asked, “Teacher, what is that man doing outside?” I checked the window, always alert for strangers on our school premises. I didn't see anyone. “Dominique, there is no one there.” He was persistent about the man outside the window. I finally asked what the man was doing. He shrugged, “He is just watching us,” and off he went to his next activity. I brushed it off as the little guy's active imagination.

My director came to my classroom with a phone call from my mom. She was sending my dad to pick me up at the end of the school day. The weather was getting worse, and they did not want me on the roads alone. I told her I would be fine, after all I was an adult of 21, getting ready to get married in a month! I can get home safely on my own! She ended her conversation with her usual, be careful and I'll be praying! (Now, I say that to my own independent driver!)

The school day ended and I headed out into the cold to find my car partially buried in deepening snow. My dad had recently purchased me a brand new car for my upcoming married life in Tennessee. It was bright turquoise with a hot pink wave down the side (think 1990's). It was perfect! The roads were clear in the city, however, things started to get worse as I headed to the interstate. I took it slow and easy. My mind began to wander to my wedding day that was just week's away. I had planned, replanned, and planned again every detail of the day. I was picturing the platform and rearranging my attendants for the thousandth time.

Suddenly, my car hit a slick spot, and began to spin out of control. I tried to remember everything my dad told me to do if this happened, however, my mind went completely blank. Suddenly, an 18 wheeler came into view in front of me. I could do nothing as I propelled toward it on the interstate. Nothing except speak the one name above all names! In Jesus name, in Jesus name, in Jesus name. I said this continually as plowed into and under the 18 wheeler, and together we slid down the road. It truly felt as if it happened in slow motion. I can still hear the sickening sound of glass and medal as my windshield began to buckle and my tiny car slid under the truck. In Jesus name, in Jesus name, in Jesus name. I watched as my rear view mirror came down and touched my steering wheel. Everything around me was smashing under the weight of the 18 wheeler. In Jesus name, in Jesus name, in Jesus name. Suddenly, I was pushed out from under the sliding truck. I was spinning across lanes of the highway and came to am upright stop in the median. All I could think of was, how was I going to get out of the car? Miraculously, I simply opened the crushed door and stepped out. By that time, people were wading over to me in the snow. The first man that got to me was shocked, to say the least. He kept saying. I knew I was going to see a body when I got to the car, not someone standing here! No one could believe that I was unhurt. My lip was bleeding from where I bit it when I first hit the truck, nothing more was wrong. They has already called the ambulance, because they were expecting the worst. Someone called my mom, and another man dug my purse out of the car. It was filled with shattered glass, but there was not one cut or scrape on me. As I looked back at my demolished car, I could see the outline of where the Lord protected my head from being crushed. I knew that I was standing on the side of the road with all of the travelers staring at me, because of one reason. God. There IS power in the name!

Later that night, after I got off of the phone with my soon to be husband, I began to think on the events of the day. The insurance adjuster(love those adjusters :)) told my dad there was one part of damage to my car that was simply unexplainable. The bumper on the passenger side of the back of the vehicle was one of the only parts not crushed by the truck. However, it had one large dent there. The adjuster said it looked as if someone physically pushed my car out from under the truck with such force that it dented in the bumper. I thought of the stranger that Dominique saw. The one that was “just watching.” I feel the Lord opened the eyes of my young student, and let him see that He is continually watching. He is always as close as the mention of His name. Jesus, the most beautiful name above all names.   

Wash, Dry, Fold, Repeat

Confession:  I am a highly unorganized person during the summer months.  It gets better once school starts, but the struggle is real.  I walked into my niece's house yesterday on a non-planned visit.  It was spotless. She is a much busier mama than me.  Like me, she has 4 kiddos.  I often use my four as an excuse, but after being at Amy's all of my excuses deflated.  SPOTLESS.  I was impressed and guilty.  I walked into my own house, and decided that it was time to get out of the summer slump.

  

My biggest enemy is laundry.  Seriously. We are not friends.  I was scanning Pinterest for some laundry pins for this post.  

One of my favorites is..."Sometimes I feel like throwing in the towel, but that would only make more laundry for me!" 

There were several spiritual quotes scattered among the laundry quotes.  I decided they were there, because laundry is truly of the devil.  Other "pinners" realize this also.  

I do have a laundry schedule that I ATTEMPT to keep during the school year.  It really does help.  I thought I would share in case any of you have the same struggle. 

It took me several attempts to perfect this schedule.  It depends on each of your family members and when they will need particular clothes at particular times.  Each number equals one load.

  

SUNDAY -          1.Jeans   2.Large towels

MONDAY -        1.Clark's clothes    2.All whites      3.Boys clothes 

TUESDAY -        1.Wash cloths/hand towels      2. My clothes     3. Isa's clothes

WEDNESDAY - 1.  School uniforms ONLY (this is usually 2 loads because I do Isa's separate from boys)

THURSDAY -     1.Boy's clothes     2.Combo of all towels

FRIDAY -           1. Clark's clothes     2.  Sports & Gym uniforms

SATURDAY -     1. Washcloths/hand towels      2.Whites  3.Misc(blankets, sheets)

I also have one other rule for myself when attempting to keep this schedule.  The laundry that I do MUST be folded/hung and put away before I can go to bed that night. Whew.  At times, this is flexible.  For example, Sometimes on Mondays I can combine Clark's & boys clothes into one load, depending on what they did over the weekend.  And, I often have to do towels more than what is on the schedule.  

Perhaps this will motivate me to get back into my Laundry Schedule now that I have shared it with all of you.

I might have to go to Amy's again today for more motivation.