One Tree at a Time

Most of you have read this in one place or another, but I wanted to add it since it is MY story. I wrote this in November of 2007. It is wonderful to look back and see how the LORD brings us through and out of whatever trial we are facing. One day we can look back and say, "Thank you, Jesus!" Love you all.

I held my breath. I knew the moment was coming. We rounded the bend in the road, and I heard the little scream I had been anticipating. “Look Mama, look! It’s the mounts…it’s the mounts!” My two year old finally glimpsed the majestic view of the Smoky Mountains! He had seen this same sight many times before since my parents had recently retired to the popular area, but he never ceased to be amazed by them. To him, they were the most massive things that he had ever seen, and he was in awe of them.

His older brother was, and still is in his own opinion, much wiser than the excited toddler. He calmly stated the mountains were really nothing special. “You see Riley; mountains aren’t very exciting at all. When you get up close, all that is there is just a bunch of trees!” My husband and I laughed, because it was such a typical response for our oldest son.

However, as we continued curving along the highway the Lord kept bringing my son’s comment to my mind. I was, at that very moment, struggling with a large mountain in my life. Cancer. From the time my doctor gave his diagnosis that one little word continually bounced around in my mind like a pinball in a pinball machine. Cancer…boiinngg…cancer…boiinngg…cancer. In fact, I had just been through two surgeries to remove the cancer from my body. My husband was taking my boys and me to my parents so they could help take care of me until I had healed enough to begin my treatment. Mountains…yes, I knew all about mountains.

In fact, my mountain seemed so massive in my life that I felt I may never be able to climb it. The weakness, the mood swings, the exhaustion, the sickness… it seemed they were pushing me down my mountain instead of over it. The Lord began speaking to me in that still small voice that always makes me sit up and pay attention. The mountain isn’t really that powerful. When you get up close, all that is there is just a bunch of trees. At that time in my life I didn’t have the strength to conquer the mountain, but I sure could take down a tree. The next day I was able to take down another tree, and the next day another.

The children of Israel received manna for one day. The Lord didn’t provide enough food to take care of them for the entire journey, but He provided enough strength for each day. The Bible tell us in Matthew 6:8 that the Lord knows the things we have need of before we even ask. The chapter continues on with the Lord’s Prayer and instructs us to pray in this manner. “Lord, give us this day our daily bread”…Lord help me conquer this tree today to get me one step closer to going over my mountain. He didn’t promise to give us enough leftovers to have strength for next week, next month, or next year. But he did promise us our daily bread. After many months of daily taking trees down I realized… I had gone over my mountain!

I recently celebrated the five year anniversary of my cancer treatment. The Lord added so many blessings to my life during that time. My doctors were not sure if I would have more children, and He blessed my husband and me with a third beautiful boy. I am proud to say that I can see the beauty in the mountains that life may bring…even if the Lord and I have to take them a tree at a time.

Catching Up...

It's Friday! I wasn't going to type this morning because my thought patterns are very random at the moment, and I have a sneaky suspicion that most of this will not make sense. Clark and Rich would say that I have a plethora of thoughts today. The very large Starbucks coffee could be to blame. AND I need to be typing the seven reports that my husband/boss left on my desk this morning. (I work for Clark, for those of you that are unaware of this.)

Just to catch up on the last few days...

*Nana & Papa Presson have been here this week, as well as cousin Drew. We had a great and relaxing time while they were here. The boys think that Drew is the greatest! AND he brought his Wii, Ipod touch, and blackberry. It is nice to have a cousin with wonderful toys! My in-laws are so special to me. They raised my incredibly, wonderfully handsome husband (again, keep the large coffee in mind). We had a picnic in Cades Cove that was just perfect. Landry has deleted my pictures...so unless Clark can find them, the memories will not be visually be posted! :(.

**Landry and Riley have swimmers ear from spending so much time in the pool. This is a new ailment for us. It is very painful, and the ear drops are VERY expensive.

***As all of you know, Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett passed away yesterday (Thurs., June 25). We were watching the news last night...as I am sure many of you were. Riley looked at me with his beautiful hazel eyes full of tears, and said, "Mama, God has given them many chances to live for Him before they died, and I think he got tired of giving them so many." WOW... that boy amazes me. I love him so much it hurts sometimes.

****This morning Avery reminded me that we have been so busy with Nana & Papa being here that we have not taken time for morning prayers. He said that with all the deaths that happened yesterday, he thought we needed to make time for it today. Again, WOW...thank you Lord, for giving me this 11 year old conscience.

*****On the lighter side...

Wednesday's Van Vernacular...

Landry - "Mama, when I grow-up I want to be a heart-throb."

Riley - "You will have to wear a suit everyday, because heart-throbs always dress-up."

Landry - "That is fine with me!"

Mama - "What exactly do heart-throbs do?"

Landry - "They take girls out on dates."

Of course, I had to post this on FB. My friend, Cheryl Morey, responded that he is already a heart throb. I must admit, I have to agree with her! Have a wonderful weekend everybody! Take a few minutes to count your many blessings!

Letting Go of the Rope...

Why is it sometimes difficult to believe that God cares about the small details of our lives? Sometimes I feel I have more faith for the BIG stuff then I do the SMALL stuff! Death, disease, and disaster...no problem for God. But today I have been playing tug of war with God over one of the little things. My middle man Riley has a little speech trouble. He is very aware of the problem and is constantly troubled by it. And in the past couple of weeks he has developed a very noticeable stutter in addition to the other difficulty. His frustration gets to the point that he gives up in mid-sentence when he can not over come the stuttering. When my boys hurt, I hurt.

The Lord has renewed my faith several times today, by bringing instances to mind that prove to me that Riley is in HIS hands. Riley has suffered with asthma all of his 8 years of life. There was a particular circumstance when he was 2 that came to my mind today. I was battling cancer at the time, and Riley's asthma had flared up. I was to be in Memphis the next morning at 6 a.m. for my second surgery to try to remove the remaining cancer from my throat. I did not want to leave my sick little man. Riley's breathing became so labored that we knew we would have to take him to the ER. We were a sight! My sister had to take me into the hospital in a wheel chair and Clark carried Riley in. The nurses did not know who to take care of first! The ER doctor told me at midnight that Riley was going to need to be admitted. I was devastated at the thought of my baby being in one hospital, and me being in another 75 miles away. I begged the doctor not to admit him. He told me if they could get his oxygen level up to the 90's then he could go home. I remembered how we prayed and watched it steadily climb to 94. Riley was able to go home and be under the care of his Nana Presson while I returned to Baptist Hospital in Memphis for the next several days. I know the Lord touched my son that night in a very real way.

The Lord also brought to my mind yet another asthma incident. Riley's worst one ever. About a year and a half ago Riley's asthma took a quick turn, so I took him to his pediatrician. He upped all of his meds and added an extra steroid. Two hours later, we were at home and Riley began having a severe attack. The coughing and the gasping were unlike anything I had ever heard before. Fear and I got to know each other really well that night. Clark was working late so my niece Leslie called 911. My sweet, sweet son looked at me and said, "Mama, I'm not going to make it through this one." Those are words a mother never imagines hearing. I immediately responded that yes he was going to make it, all the while calling on the name above all names. The Lord had already stepped in the room before the EMT could get to our house. As they rushed into the house with oxygen and whisked us off to Knoxville Children's Hospital, I knew that the miracle worker had triumphed over fear once again.

Then the tug of war began. I was thanking the Lord for the miracles that he brought to mind, reminding Him that these were BIG things (like he didn't already know that)...and I questioned him about handling this small thing. I went through the evening thanking him for the miracle, yet doubting him in this "little"need. I read a quick devotion before bed, and the first sentence was..."WHAT MATTERS TO YOU MATTERS TO GOD." It went on to say "Who am I to tell the great God of the universe my little problem? " Mr. Max Lucado proceeded to tell me...

I am an heir of God.

I have a crown.

I am a holy priest.

I was chosen before the creation.

And more importantly than any of the above, I am God's child. As a result, if something is important to me, it's important to God.

So Lord, here is the rope. I'm declaring you the winner of tug-of-war. I'm putting Riley's speech troubles in your hands. I am believing you for the small things. Thank you for loving my son more than I ever could. He was your child long before he was mine. What matters to him, matters to you.

Lines by Landry

First of all, let me say how much I LOVE summer! I am enjoying my hiatus from Spelling lists, History tests, Reading vocab, and Science projects. The older my boys get the more I realize the necessity of Summer break for both students AND parents!

Each Summer we make a small investment in a blow up pool and the receive a huge return. Avery, Riley and Landry stay entertained for hours. This year we purchased a slightly larger pool. The box advertised two adult women and two children sitting comfortably in the pool. I concluded that it would be roomy enough for three boys to enjoy.

After the second swim of the day, Landry asked if Daddy could swim with him when he returned home from his trip. I told him that Daddy would be too big for the pool. Landry quickly responded, "Oh no Mama, there is room in this pool for Daddy and two ladies! LOL!

...I recently woke the boys on a Wednesday morning and reminded the 2 oldest that it was our churches day for fasting and they needed to choose what they would be fasting from. We proceeded to get ready for our day. I noticed that Landry ate breakfast, and then RAN to brush his teeth, and then RAN to get dressed, and then RAN to find his shoes. I finally told him that if he didn't stop running that I was going to spank him (please do not panic...I do spank my children when they need it, and they are better for it!). He stopped running and looked at me very puzzled and said, "But you said it was FAST day!"

...Landry went to the doctor with me a couple of weeks ago. My doctor is from a foreign country and has a very heavy accent. Landry sat quietly for a few minutes taking it all in...then he blurted out to the doctor..."Can you speak English?"

...Avery and Riley were imagining ways to spend $20,ooo if we had it...which we don't. Riley wants to buy a convertible car so we can put the top down on these 98 degree summer days. Avery wants to purchase every new game system and game possible...Landry wants to buy Spider man band-aids.

...We were in a very crowded Chick-Fil-A ladies bathroom. I was holding the stall door while Landry was inside using the bathroom. Landry exclaimed (very loudly to be heard over boy bathroom sounds)..."MAMA, IT WOULD BE SO COOL IF I COULD PEE ICE CREAM!" I looked for a hole to crawl into, but could not find one.

...It was Valentine's Day and I told my boys that we were going to make Daddy a surprise candlelight dinner. Landry busted out crying..."Those candles are going to BURN my mouth!"

More Lines by Landry to come in the future...he has many of them that make his mama smile, and sometimes even laugh out loud!

Points to Ponder

Genesis 21:6

"...God has brought me laughter,

and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me."

My spiritual leader...

Tonight marks a great milestone in my life! :) I am staying at my house without Clark for the first time in our 14.5 years of marriage. Yes, I am yeller (IBC phrase) when it comes to staying at home without my protector. Clark's job takes him out of town frequently, and I always drag all 3 of my little men, along with the majority of their belongings, to my parents. Tonight I am attempting to be a grown-up mama hen and keep my chicks in their nest. However, my parents have our beds ready at their house - just in case I make a bee line for them in the middle of the night. It is 12:34 p.m. and I am still confident in my ability to do this. Riley, my middle man, told me to feel free to come get him in the night if I needed him. How sweet!

It really is true that absence makes the heart grow fonder. I miss Clark when we are not together. My family teases me about this. I just can't help myself. He is my better half. I honor him for the husband that he is...and the father that he is. Happy Father's Day to the best Daddy that 3 boys could ever want...

I am not the spiritual leader in my home. I am a spiritual leader, but not the spiritual leader! My heart rejoices to know that my husband holds that esteemed position. I have been blessed to be married to a man of prayer. I believe that single attribute is what makes him the best daddy ever! My sons and I awake each morning to the sound of Clark praying in the livingroom. We fall asleep most nights to the same sound. This is not unusual to my sons. It is normal. It is all they have ever known. So in turn, they are developing their own prayer lives at the ages of 11, 8, and 4.

Would they have done this on their own? No. They have been taught how to touch the heart of God from the one they admire the most. After my husband ushers the presence of the Lord into my home each morning, I often have my own prayer time. The Lord's presence still lingers after he is gone to work. It follows my children and I throughout our day, and brings us back together again at the end of the day. "A house with prayer in it has God in it...when prayer becomes an unfamiliar exercise, then God himself is a stranger there. "(E.M. Bounds) Clark often works late at night, and my boys worry that Daddy will not be there to pray with them before they go to sleep. I always have prayer time with them, but yet there is something more comforting in their Daddy's prayers. They could share no greater father son bond than the bond of prayer.

I expect great spiritual accomplishments from Avery, Riley and Landry. The book of Luke tells us "...unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall much be required." They have been given much in a father when so many today suffer from a daddy deficiet. They may forget the times Daddy took off of work to take them to the park. They may forget all of the golf excursions and fishing trips, but they will not forget that their Daddy was a man of prayer!

Dear Clark, Thank you for the spiritual leader that you are in our home. I honor you for making sure that our family is answering the call of Romans 12:12 to be continuing steadfastly in prayer. I Love you...forever and always...Happy Father's Day!

My Father's Hands

I wrote this several weeks ago, and thought I would add it to my blog in honor of Father's Day coming on Sunday. Of course, I think I have the best Dad ever. I know he would do anything for me, at any time. He has proven that time and time again! (Such as coming and getting me when I have run out of gas or locked my keys in the car for the zillionth time.) I thank the Lord for the blessing that my dad is to me. Words to describe my dad...kind, giving, loving, trustworthy, honest, strong, and ummm, hot-tempered - but don't tell him I said so! AND, he is the best Papa to my boys! Love you Dad!

My Father’s Hands

His hands were gripping the steering wheel, trying to keep the car safely on the icy interstate. Instantly, the water-works began, just as they had for the past several weeks. I was getting married soon, and everything seemed to send me into tears. I was ecstatic about my upcoming wedding, but not about moving five-hundred miles from everything that was near and dear to me.
I took a mental snap shot of my father’s hands that day. I knew I could later pull it from my heart when I needed the comfort of home. My dad’s hands were thick and powerful. The skin was like leather from the many hours he had worked outside in the harsh elements. I knew the palms of his hands were hard and calloused. The measure of the man was visible in his hands. They had held me in tight embraces, guided me as I crossed life’s many streets, built me a tree swing, and pushed me higher than anyone else could. My father’s hand had been placed on me in times of sickness and sorrow. I had watched as he raised them in worship and dropped in tithes and offerings as the plate was passed. Those work-hardened hands had slipped me extra money for unnecessary shopping adventures, and were providing the means for the wedding of my dreams. I never wanted miles to separate the memory of the hands that had done so much for me.
The realization that I was taking my well-being out of capable hands and placing them it another man’s hands became overwhelming. I began to question the safety of my fiance's hands compared to my fathers. Would he be able to care for me, provide for me, or even understand me the way that my dad did? Could I trust his decisions when the trials of life came our way? The outside cold seemed to seep in and wrap its icy fingers around my heart.
An image began forming in my mind as I pondered this. My life was not being held in the sturdy hands of my dad, but the precious nail-scarred hands of my heavenly father. His hands had provided healing, salvation, and safety at the times in my life that my earthly father had been unable to. In fact, his hands were taking my fear and anxiety of that moment and replacing it with His peace. I realized that the Lord had ultimately guided every step of my life thus far. Even more importantly, He would continue to do so in the next phase that I was entering.
The following week, everything was in place. The candles were glowing, the music was playing. I took a deep breath as I let go of my father’s hand and turned toward the man I had given my heart to. Together, in the presence of family and friends, we placed our lives into the father’s hands. I knew He would be leading, guiding, protecting, and providing for me, just as He always had.

Points to Ponder

“I trusted in thee, O Lord: I said, Thou art my God.

My times are in thy hand…” Psalms 31:14, 15.

Settling Batman

Several years ago, (pre-Landry days) Avery and Riley were forced to play indoors due to the August heatwave. They had exhausted the enchantment of their closet full of toys, and were forced to depend on the creativity of their imagination. I listened as they tossed ideas around. Batman and Robin, cowboys and Indians, and cops and robbers were all shot down. Finally, Avery had a brain storm. "I know, let's pretend that we are brothers!" I had to step in at this point and remind them that they really were brothers. I couldn't stand the disappointed looks on their chubby little faces. So, I suggested one be a good brother and the other be a bad brother. Mama to the rescue!

I have found myself often trying to be "Batman" in God's eyes instead of what he created me to be. I am thankful for the times that he has reminded of who I am, and not of who I think I should be. I am striving to be a settled woman of God. When you settle an object you make it stable; place it in a permanent position. One way I am striving to be settled is to know God more. Daniel 11:32 "The people who know God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits." No matter how many super powers I may think that I have, I am learning that all wisdom originates with and is given by God. If I start with what I know, then I can let God use His super powers to make my exploits great!

Graduation Weekend

I love Monday nights...although I always look forward to the weekend, I am also glad when they are over! We seem to get as much in the weekend as possible, and then we are exhausted! It has been a memorable few days...

FRIDAY

1. Avery & Riley had a friends birthday party at Sandy Springs. Clark, Landry, and I went to Texas Road House for supper. We never get to go there, because Riley is highly allergic to peanuts, and as you know, peanuts are everywhere! Landry kept telling me that somebody needed to clean the place up! It was so nice for Clark and I to spend time with Landry. He has a different temperament when he is not in competition for our attention with his big brothers. He can be as sweet as he is handsome! We filled up on as many peanuts as possible. Clark and Landry arm wrestled at the table, very cute!

2. While picking up Avery and Riley we got to spend some time with our church friends. Later we came home and ended a wonderful evening with laundry! It fills up most of my free time at home. I try not to complain about it, but in this, I am unsuccessful!

SATURDAY

1. We woke up to a BEAUTIFUL morning. Clark decided to take the boys fishing. I could write for days on thoughts I had, and sights that I saw, at Louisville Lake. Here are a few of my favorites.=

a. BIKINI BOTTOM - while looking for a good fishing spot, we had to pass the swimming area. There was not one person there that looked good in their bathing attire. Most of it was down right frightening. However, the one that was worthy of a double take was a bright yellow bikini. The bottom and belly that were in the bikini were VERY big. If the bikini had not been such a BRIGHT yellow, you might not have seen it all. Really, is it necessary embarrass yourself in that way? However, she left me with a lasting memory - maybe that was her intention after all!

b. FISH - Avery and Riley caught fish! They were thrilled about that. Landry did not catch fish and he was NOT thrilled. Every few minutes he would throw his fishing pole down and say that he QUIT! But, the lure of the water pulled him back every time, and he would try again. Unfortunately, his efforts never paid off.

c. SUN -I tried in vain to get a little bit of sunshine on these white legs of mine...enough said!

d. FOOD - I took a picnic of sandwiches, chips and brownies - forgot the strawberries at home. Have you ever noticed that food tastes delicious by a lake on a beautiful day?

e. MUSIC - There was a large bird in the tree above us. It's song was not a beautiful one, more like a gagging one. It kept singing/choking to us while we fished.

g. LOVE - Avery, Riley, and Landry's lines kept tangling, breaking, or getting caught. Bobbers were lost, and bait flew off. Clark spent the whole day fixing their troubles. Needless to say, he didn't really fish. I love my husband. He is the most patient man in the world...until his patience runs out! When it does...hide...LOL!

h. MIRACLE - My last lake reflection is the unforgettable one. Avery was fishing and suddenly his line broke. His bobber went floating off with his bait. He called to Clark who, once again, put down his pole to come fix the problem. As he walked toward Avery, he saw a very LARGE, UGLY, and SCARY snake next to Avery. This was not your normal garden snake. It was Amazon size. Brown with black stripes and a flat head....shiver....The kind you only see in a zoo, behind very thick glass!! I can not even begin to think what would have happened if Avery had stepped on it. My heart has rejoiced that the Lord had his scissors handy and cut Avery's fishing line. May I never take HIS gift of protection for granted. At that point, I was done fishing and began packing up our supplies!

SUNDAY -

I could go on and on, but I am going to keep it short, because my laundry is calling to me...

1. A.M. Service - Bro. Corey McCool and his wife ministered in our morning service. Bro. Corey was diagnosed with Stage 3 Colon Cancer in January 09. His testimony boosted my faith. The Lord has given him such a miraculous healing. I am in awe of the greatness of God.

2. The McCools sang for us - once again - speechless. Bro. Carpenter has renamed them Corey and Jeanna Wow!

3. P.M. service. - Graduation night! We had 11 graduates. That is the largest graduating class in ACA history. Avery and Riley received awards for highest honors! I'm proud of my smart and hardworking boys! It was a night of laughs, tears, praise, and sadness. We should have had 12 graduates, but the Lord called one of them home early. Bro. Corey's message was entitled, "The Transition of 12." He was unaware at the time the Lord gave him this message that our 12th graduate had transitioned to heaven. Incredible word from the Lord! Congratulations Josh Ellard, Aaron Penton, Austin Penton, Aaron Losey, Jordan Atkisson, Micah Repuhhan, Kayla Stephens, Samantha Gill, Rachel Brown, Lauren Carpenter, and Brittney Harvey

Points to Ponder...

Psalms 5:11 "But let all who take refuge in you be glad...

Spread your protection over them,

that those who love your name many rejoice in you."

Where's the cake?

A world weary man walked into the sanctuary and tiredly found a seat. I was on the platform that evening and watched him throughout the service. He seemed detached from everything that was around him. I hoped the praise and worship service would move him beyond his despondence. However, the hopeless expression remained. I knew the life changing power of the preached word, so I anticipated the change that would take place in his life. Sadly, nothing happened. My pastor called the church to the altar and still, nothing. I was beginning to feel as depressed as he looked, because I knew God could turn his situation around. After dismissal my pastor went back and greeted the man. I watched as my pastor laid hands on him and began to pray for him. I rejoiced as this man gave his troubled life to the Lord and in return received HOPE. I later learned Bro. Gene had recently tried to take his own life, but thankfully had failed. The Lord had brighter plans for his future. The next week his wife came and also met HOPE for the first time. Another week went by and his son found the happiness his parents had experienced. As we were leaving church that evening, Clark greeted Bro. Gene and asked him how he was doing. I loved his response..., "Having my family come to church with me is just more icing on the cake. In fact, the Lord has put so much icing on my cake that I can't even find the cake anymore!"

My mind is drawn back to that statement as I ponder over my own life. Clark and I have been married 14 years now. He is my life's greatest blessing. I thank the Lord daily for my husband. We have been given the privilege to raise 3 incredible boys. Even at the young ages of 11, 8, and 4 their relationship with the Lord amazes me. Our lives have not been without trials, sadness, tears or frustration; but the Lord has strengthened our bond through each of the valleys. The Lord adds more icing to the Presson cake daily. If we wanted to get to the cake, we wouldn't be able to find it!