Happy Birthday, Mom!

Nearly 18 years ago, God placed a child under the care of a woman. As her second child, and last, so the mother thought, this child would prove a strong will and stubborn personality. She was oblivious to the degree of difficulty that was entrusted to her that day, or perhaps she would have chosen a different path. As the child grew under her care and tutelage, the mother was tried and tested on a daily basis. This was one difficult child. However, by the almighty grace of God, the mother not only survived the upbringing of her child, but with grace and humility she sought only God's best for her child.








This woman is my mother. I cannot say enough about this extraordinary woman of God. She raised my, as well as my five siblings, always saying, "God has a plan." Never flippantly or as an excuse but with genuine faith in a sovereign whose will would persevere far beyond her own. Never forgetting to seek out heart attitudes and motivations when disciplining and correcting, she has trained us not to look to the world as an excuse, but to look to our own hearts to find the root of our sin. Though seemingly insignificant, she would never leave me to bear sickness on my own though it would have been the easier route. She denied her needs staying us countless nights, with a loving hand on my back and a soft word of comfort. Since I was entrusted to her, she has prayed for me without ceasing and recognizes that I am hers only for a season.









Though I am sure I have never communicated the depth of my appreciation and respect to her, I hold her in the highest regard and look to her as the exemplary God-fearing woman. I recognize her flaws, but more so her great humility and heart for growing in Christ-likeness alongside me. As we continue to follow the path God has chosen for us, I pray I might bless her as much as she has blessed me.









Mom, thank you. Simple words for such a complicated emotion. I am so grateful for your patience, grace, humility, and love that I cannot even communicate it to you. Your faithfulness and submission to Dad is a picture of your relationship with your Savior. Your unconditional love is a constant reminder of my Lord's love for me. Thank you for pursuing me when you nor I wanted it. For tucking me in with a lick of the nose and waking me up with your kisses. For putting up with my selfishness, pride, and insecurities, and always seeking me out. Thank you for caring. For making me laugh when I wanted to pout. For showing me how to love. For loving me when I didn't even love myself. Thank you for your example. I love you dearly. I hope to be like you when I grow up.

I.
Love.
You.

Doris Marie Wilson Butt: August 26th, 1933 - July 10th, 2008

As a family, for as long as I can remember, we have gone to Fairfield, North Carolina to spend Thanksgiving with my Dad's family. We drive down 64/264 until we hit the water and then turn left at the only light in the county. We'd always park in Uncle Floyd's yard, but after unloading our luggage into the house, we'd go see Grandma. We'd hug and then sit on her couch while she'd offer us food, drink or knitting/crocheting tools and supplies. We'd then knit or crochet until dinner when we all waked over to Uncle Floyd's for spaghetti. (Aunt Bobby cooks THE BEST spaghetti in the world.) Next day we'll help set up the tent in the back yard for the pigpickin'. We always watched "Hook" while there for Thanksgiving. Don't know why.

I have random snips of memories at Grandma's house. Baking sough dough bread with her and she put her rings on her glasses. Anticipating the chicken andnoo noos that were cooking on the stove. Taking naps and when we'd move around, she'd just put her hand on our feet and we knew better than to move. Learning to crochet and knit. Learning songs like "My Mommy Told Me Something" and "In the Boarding House" and singing them around the piano until we were out of breath. Trying to learn to play the piano. On Sunday morning, we'd go to Grandma's room she'd let us pick a perfume - only one, mind you - that we got to wear. Grandma calling me "dear heart." Learning how to correctly wrap presents at the kitchen table. These are memories that I will always hold dear.

My Dad's mother had cancer just after my Dad was born and has been suffering with it again for the last two years. She has been deteriorating for a long while. Last weekend, Dad, Ash, Mike, David, and I went down to see Grandma for what we assumed was the last time we'd see her on this side of Heaven. I am sad to say that I was rather reluctant to go. I knew it might be the last time, but I didn't want to remember her like that. She doesn't do much any more; She pretty much just its and then moves to another chair. She hasn't done any of the things she loves in awhile. Well, I'm really glad I went. It was the last time I saw her on this earth, but not the last time I'll see her.

On Thursday morning Mom woke me up with the news that Grandma had gone to be with the Lord. While I was/am sad, I cannot help but think of her new life. During her funeral I got this picture of Grandma playing piano with Christ. Now in a glorified body that has no more pain and troubles, she is baking away for the wedding feast, singing with the Christians who have gone before her. Spending time in the presence of her Creator and Savior. I miss her, but I almost don't feel like she's gone. It's like she just moved away and I'll see her soon, since we'll be moving there too. I hope everyone understands what we have to look forward to in Heaven. If spending eternity with the Lord isn't enough, we get to create, to sing with those who have gone before. I am so excited for the day when I get to meet Peter, Mary, Paul, not to mention the sibling who I never got to meet. Most of all, I cannot wait to stand before my Righteous Lord and have Himdeclare me as one of His own. What a glorious day. I pray you all hope for Heaven as I do.

When Tears Are in Your Heart
- by Doris Butt

When tears are in your heart,
and you cannot understand
why some tragedy befell you
just take Jesus by the hand.

He will help you to accept it
tho He may not tell you why
He has allowed this thing to happen
that brings teardrops to your eye.

So put your trust in Jesus.
Keep your eyes upon His face.
He'll help you through your trouble,
and He'll save you by His grace.

Live in light of eternity.

(Here are some pictures from the weekend. The funeral, lunch hosted by the church, and then a compilation of images of Grandma over the years.)

Father's Day

Yesterday was a day set aside to honor fathers. I was unable to post that day because I spent all the time I could with my dad before he left town for two weeks.

I am not sure that I have ever told my dad this, but I respect him so much for doing all he does to support us (and seeing as how there are nine people in our house, it's no easy task) without fail. He has to be at his job way before anyone should even be up and works until after hours. I am so inspired by his relentless devotion and perseverance in order to support us.

These are a couple images from the last two/three years and show some of my dad's favorite things. :) My dad and his dog, Bella, who died late last year. Man, my dad loved that dog. He would bring home long pieces of knotted rope, all excited, and would call Bella. She would freak out and would lock her jaws around the rope. My dad would then swing the rope around in a circle, three feet from the ground. Bella never let go. This made my father's day, everytime.



This is what I wake up to every once and a while... I bet no one else's father does this with football pads! :)

My mother and father after twenty-three years... aww.!

And finally, the only two men currently in my life: Dad and Dude. I love you two!Dad, thank you. I am so blessed that you are my father. I can't wait to see you again! I love you so much. :)