Praying for the Election

“The authorities that exist have been established by God.” Romans 13:1

Unless you live in a hole, you’re probably aware there is a presidential election in less than a week. This isn’t just another election. Richard Land, the President of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, said this is the most important election since 1860 (the year Abraham Lincoln was elected). Dear friends, it is vital we take this election seriously. It truly is a matter of our country’s future, our future, our religious freedom, and most importantly, our children’s future.

As Dr. Land began to relay the facts of what could come of Obama’s reelection, it sent chills down my spine – the largest deficit in America’s history, the socialization of our healthcare, the normalization of homosexual marriage, majors cuts to our military defense, the threat to our religious freedoms & the government funding and approval to murder babies in the womb. Oh friends, this doesn’t even skim the surface of how dangerous this administration has been and will be. I know that politics is viewed as a taboo subject, but I’m tired of a liberal media that constantly hides the truth and lies about the rest. I’m tired of a leader pretending to be someone he isn’t and spinning everything in his favor.

Oh friends, would you join us in crying out to the Father to give us the president we desperately need and not the one we deserve? Would you join us in asking the Father to forgive us for our silence when it comes to sharing His Truth with the world and not standing up for the very things His Son, Jesus Christ, died for. Would you cry out for a president who stands up for these principles as well? Would you pray for the hearts of the undecided voters to honestly evaluate who is the best leader for our nation? And, would you join in praying that objective truth will be revealed as this election comes to a close and voters would be open to hear it and respond?

Ultimately, we know it isn’t the swing states or the electoral college that places men & women into leadership. It is our sovereign Father (Prov. 21:1). He holds all things in His hands and He can do whatever He pleases (Col. 1:17; Is. 55:8). That is a comforting thought to my heart and I am praying believing He would have mercy on our nation. I am praying for Him to spark a true revival in our hearts and for Him to place a man in leadership who will stand for Truth.

And if you don’t believe me, listen to these piercing words from Billy Graham . . .

“The legacy we leave behind for our children, grandchildren and this great nation is crucial. As I approach my 94th birthday, I realize this election could be my last. I believe it is vitally important that we cast our ballots for candidates who base their decisions on biblical principles and support the nation of Israel. I urge you to vote for those who protect the sanctity of life and support the biblical definition of marriage between a man and a woman. Vote for biblical values this November 6, and pray with me that America will remain one nation under God.”

Tea Time

This girl LOVES to pretend. She loves to pretend shop at Target, pretend swim at Great Wolf Lodge, pretend hide from the rain, pretend build the Tabernacle (no joke), and she hosts a killer pretend tea party. On this particular day, a few of the animals from Noah’s ark joined us – her suggestion. She mentioned inviting Noah, but he was a no-show. Maybe he’s a coffee guy. Alexa filled everyone’s cup to the brim with tea and reminded us to blow on it because it was very hot. Then, she added cream and sugar, only if we preferred. Straight up for Miss Elephant, she’s watching her figure. On the contrary, Mama says the more, the merrier. Then, the tea cups magically converted into bowls of mac-n-cheese. Man, I’m digging this tea party! Now . . . if I could just pretend clean the bathrooms, life would be good! Do I hear an Amen?

What a weekend!

We experienced an extended weekend full of fun including visits from two of my dearest friends (Denise Mills & Melanie Taylor), a trip to Orr Family Farms and time on OU’s campus (where we enjoyed a Sooner victory and beautiful Fall flora). I wish I could’ve captured all the excitement and especially my friends with their families. However, all I really managed to do was snap pics of Alexa. I have yet to master the art of photographing numerous little ones in action. It’s normally just a blur of activity and they all get deleted. If you enjoy pics of Lil’ A, this post is for you.

ORR FAMILY FARMS


Alexa could barely wait for me to unclip her seatbelt to get out & go to the pumpkin patch.

Scoping out which pony she wanted to ride. Then, I found out it cost additional money to ride them. Needless to say, she scoped them out behind the fence.

Ever since her return from Great Wolf Lodge, Alexa is all about howling – even if it means howling next to this creepy stuffed coyote. Work those lungs, sweetie!

There’s always time to stop at the playground before heading over to the Hay Mountain Super Slides. Goodness, those slides were fast. I wanna go again!!

I think she’s playing peek-a-boo. I honestly don’t know.

After selecting and rejecting numerous pumpkins (she inherited her mother’s inability to make decisions), Alexa decides on this perfect little beauty.


A sweet little pumpkin for my sweet Lil’ Pumpkin.

OU vs. KU

Awaiting kick-off at Oklahoma Memorial Stadium (a.k.a. Owen Field).

Alexa was sooooooooo excited to see her cousins.

Practicing her pose (we hope) for the game this weekend against Notre Dame.

It’s not a trip to OU without a visit to watch the pendulum swing back and forth.

Alexa had never seen the fireworks go off after a Sooner touchdown. She was startled, and then, mesmerized. Thankfully, we got to see them explode several times.

A girl’s gotta stop & smell the mums. They are breathtaking on campus in the Fall.

That’s it for now folks. We’ll catch ya later!

Howlin’ Fun at Great Wolf Lodge

Last Thursday, we headed to Dallas for Fall Break, OU/TX football and a very big celebration for our two-and-a-half-year-old. Yep - you guessed it. Lil’ A filled her #2 sticker chart to earn two days at Great Wolf Lodge. Trust me, we were howlin’ too!

It’s a thing of beauty . . . isn’t it!? I can’t imagine what I’ll do with A’s first report card.

Rylen & Layton celebrated Alexa’s success that evening by chanting, “Great Wolf Looooooodddggee! Great Wolf Looooooodddggee!”

Here’s a look at our celebration. We’ve been home three days now, and Alexa is still wearing her Great Wolf Lodge wristband. She didn’t have to wear it in the park but insisted on wearing it when she realized we were going home. We continue playing “pretend” Great Wolf Lodge, and Alexa is trying to convince me when she gets a little bit older, she can go back. Yep – I think we will.

Pressed up against the windows overlooking the water park, just itching to get in.


Being Alexa’s 3rd trip to GWL, she knows the ins & outs. There’s the kiddie pool!

Alexa patiently colored while I checked in. A brilliant idea for all resorts – just saying.

I still can’t believe a lifeguard didn’t make Chris stop doing this. Alexa loves a thrill!

I believe Chris called this “waterskiing.” He spins Alexa around & around. I call it “a guaranteed bet for motion sickness.” Just watching them made me nauseated.

By pulling the rope, Alexa would soak Daddy. What a fun game! I want a turn.

Wanna play catch? Nice throw, sweetie! Luckily, the camera lens stayed dry.

One full sticker chart + One trip to Great Wolf Lodge = One delighted Lil’ A

Here’s looking at you!

I promised you more googly-eyed cuties and . . . here they are! Thanks to more empty toilet paper rolls, festive cupcake liners and oodles of cardstock, we managed to jazz up our coffee table for Fall. I’ve never been more pleased that our neighbors don’t water their lawns because I hi-jacked the dead branches from their drought-ridden trees. The burlap styrofoam base caught my eye at Wal-Mart. Of course, it had another arrangement in it that I removed. I’m just not a fan of glittery sunflowers but it was totally worth the $5 for the cute lil’ base to give our owls a pleasant place to perch. Whooooo’s enjoying the view now? Happy Fall ya’ll!

Waiting (patiently) for Chamblin

I recently returned from visiting my college BFF, Brooke, and her family in St. Louis. She will be 32 weeks pregnant tomorrow and has been on permanent bed rest since 24 weeks. She is expecting her second son, Chamblin Spencer, at the beginning of December. However, he may have other plans. Brooke suffered placental abruption with her first son, Whitman. The docs didn’t expect this would happen again. In fact, the percentages are very low for repeat abruptions. At 24 weeks, my dear friend started bleeding and contracting. The doc’s orders – strict bed rest. At 30 weeks, the bleeding and contractions started again, and this time, they landed her in the hospital for good. The docs believe Brooke is “chronically abrupting” and the situation must be constantly monitored.

I had the privilege of visiting Brooke during this season of letting go, waiting and praying for baby Chamblin to stay put as long as possible. Brooke will be 32 weeks tomorrow. This is a huge developmental milestone for Chamblin. My most recent update from Brooke this evening is that she is contracting again. Her platelets are low as well as her amniotic fluid. If the contractions continue, they will take Chamblin. Would you join us in praying God will keep this lil’ man tucked safely inside Brooke until 36 weeks? Our hearts cry is to wait patiently for his arrival but it is also for the health of Brooke and Chamblin. We know God has a divine plan in mind for Chamblin and His timing is best. He is already a fighter and so is his mama. Please pray with us!

In light of my visit, I also had the privilege of spending a lot of quality time with Brooke’s son, Whitman. He’s a month older than Alexa, and he’s a charmer. We enjoyed several visits to the hospital to see Mommy, playing with trains, throwing balls and cuddling on the sofa. Whitman has definitely been a trooper. He misses his mama but he does so well adjusting to every situation he’s been placed. We thank God for his resilience and that melt-your-heart smile. Here are some pics of this blue-eyed sweetie as we played outside on a beautiful fall day.

Whoooo wouldn’t like this?

Just another fun craft idea from Disney’s Family Fun magazine using a toilet paper roll, cupcake liners & cardstock. We hope to make more owls as we accrue empty toilet paper rolls. Thank goodness Lil’ A is contributing to this task now too!