Milestones

No amount of preparation or forewarning can actually prepare you for when your oldest child starts making that passage into adulthood.  I thought that my child reaching the dreaded, even feared "teenager" milestone would be so hard for me but 13 came and went.  Even 14 came and went with no fanfare.  Now I know why... it was saving itself up for a time such as this.

I snapped this picture of my oldest child taking his driver's license written test.  Then I grabbed the hand of my little guy and ushered him out the door as quickly as I could but the tears were falling before I even reached the door.  I don't know why this was such an emotional time for me?!

Ryan found out immediately that he passed the test, only missed one.  I was quite shocked seeing as I paid $4.95 for a driver's education book that he didn't even crack open.  Guess he listened well in the driving school.

We immediately had to go to the Tag Agency to get the permit.  I pulled up to the door and just couldn't contain myself.  Ryan couldn't believe I was crying so much.  He told me that I couldn't come in unless I wore my sunglasses to hide my eyes, lol.  So I did.  I had him do all the paperwork and answer all the questions so he could get a feel for what it's like to be an adult.  Then she had him stand back and take his picture.  Again, the tears came.  But the toughest part out of all of this came when she handed him his learner's permit.  I took it in my hands and just lost it right there in the building with people starring at me, LOL!  It's a good thing it wasn't even the emotional time of the month... oh my what would I have done??  I'm wiping tears away right now as I type this.

Not even turning 40 years old compares to my oldest child learning to drive.

Although he is finally showing signs of becoming a responsible young man, I just can't even believe that the past 16 years have flown by as quickly as they have.  Shouldn't he still be in Kindergarten laying in bed, snuggling up with me as we read books?

Rich and I only have a few more years to impress upon his heart the ways and responsibilities of a God seeking, God fearing man that is to be the head of his home.  Wow, that is so overwhelming to even think as I read it once more.  That is why I am so truly thankful that God leads my husband and I as parents to the best of our ability.  We still screw up constantly, have good intentions, and get lost ourselves sometimes... but God is ever faithful.  The best comfort of all is in knowing that he, my first born son Ryan, is a child of our loving Savior.  Since Ryan (and my other children) was in the womb, before we even knew him, I prayed for him.  These past almost 17 years, I have been praying for the friends he keeps, any girlfriends he might acquire, but especially for the spouse he will one day marry.

It's not easy raising kids.  But knowing that they are truly God's kids and He is just loaning them out to us to raise up and teach sure brings about a peace that can only come from Him.

I am grateful that God saw fit for Rich and I to take Nathaniel Ryan from an infant to an almost 16 year old young man.  I am thankful for the years we've had with him, the joy, the laughter, and even the heartache he has brought to our lives.  For through it all, we learn to be better parents and trust that God has it all under control.

First day of a new school year

Once you reach middle school, the first day of school pictures aren't cool anymore so you ignore your mom... but she doesn't go away.  Amariah's first day of 7th grade.  I couldn't even get a first day picture of her cute outfit.  She has Athletics-basketball for first hour so she goes to school in practice clothes.  Then she has cheerleading practice after school 2 days a week and comes home in different practice clothes.  7:30 to 5:00 is a very long day for such a young lady but she has adjusted quite well.

By the time you begin your sophomore year, you realize that no matter what you say or do... your mom still doesn't go away and is gonna get that first day picture whether you like it or not.  Ryan's first day of 10th grade.  Goodness... two more years till his senior year, how can that be?!?!

When you're in elementary school, it's fun to have your picture taken.  You smile so big for mom, well... kinda big.  Robbie's first day of Kindergarten.

It's always fun to find your name in the hall on the big bulletin boards.

All settled in and ready for his big day ahead.  The first time for him to be in school all day instead of half-days.

I missed him SO much!  We always had the mornings just to ourselves... me and him.  We would color, play games, make things, hang outside, watch old school Scooby-Doo, go for walks.  But I know it's time for him to go on.  It made my heart feel good when he gave me a huge hug and told me how much he missed me after that first day of school.

It's been a little over a month now and everyone has adjusted quite well to their new sleeping schedules, even with full days and afternoons.  Football, basketball, and cheerleading practices are going well also.  I have to say that I'm actually quite surprised at this because the beginning of school has always been so hectic for us.  I'm pretty sure that it has to do with me being home for the first time ever in their school years.  Thanking the Lord for that!

One way that I have found to keep Scripture on their hearts and in their minds daily is by texting.  Reach them where they are, right?  In the morning I send a text to Rich, Ryan, and Amariah with a Bible verse and its reference.  I learned this from a friend and I'm so glad that God brought it to my attention.  I just love sending them.

I'm grateful for the awesome kids that God has placed in my care.  It's not always easy, but I'm so thankful that He is there to guide us!

Homecoming tomorrow!  We're all excited for it!  =]

Have a blessed weekend dear friends~ 

Our week at Falls Creek

This year's youth camp at Falls Creek in Davis, Oklahoma was another amazing year.  God was ever present!  In our cabin alone, there were 44 decisions made!!  One of them was my daughter rededicating her life.  Thank you Lord!


This is from the Falls Creek website:   Nestled in the heart of the Arbuckle Mountains of southern Oklahoma, Falls Creek has become the largest religious youth encampment in the world. More than 45,000 young people will attend its eight weeks of encampment every summer.


This year's theme was "Consumed" and a vintage theme at that so it was fun for me.

The theme was based on Psalm 103

The main lesson I learned from this week is that all my life, I thought I needed to be consumed of God but they put it another way that is so very true... "Not that I have more of Him, but He has more of me!"

A slightly blurry picture of our group before tabernacle time.  This gives you somewhat of an idea of how huge this place is.

Now just some fun pics of rec time.  My son Ryan playing the Human Foosball game with some friends.  He's the one in black on the right. I didn't stick around to see if they won, it was 100+ all week long.  A little rain came along and the kids had a great time playing outside.  A blurry picture of Ryan catching a football.

Every year we set Thursday evening aside as a time when the kids can dress up nice.  The boys escort the girls to the tables, they see what they want to eat and drink, they wait on them throughout their meal, and clean up after the girls are done.  Then the boys get to eat.  It is a fun time for all, even the boys and it helps to teach them respect and how to treat a lady.  I had to snap this pic of Ryan taking care of his friend... this doesn't happen much at home, lol.

A lot of team building happens at camp.  This is from one of Amariah's rec times.  They all had their eyes closed except the leader in front who guided them all to the challenge course.  Amariah's the last girl in the pic, right before the little boy (youth pastor's son). 

The rain was a sweet surprise to our extremely hot week!  The girls enjoyed the rain also... Amariah on the left.

This was Falls Creek's first year for human-sized games and they were received quite well by the campers and sponsors alike.

The girls enjoying a game of Connect 4.

My baby girl wasn't too fond of her Momma going the first year of her youth camp.  I had to let it be known to her that I am a sponsor and go every year, it wasn't just for her (but yes, I was gonna keep an eye on her or try anyway on the 300+ acre campground!).  By the middle of the week, I became her best friend.  While it was sweet and I was loving it, I had to push her to do things with her friends.  We enjoyed our time together swimming, hiking, swinging, relaxing.  By swinging, this is what I meant...

See the little red and blue dot up in the trees?  That's Amariah as we pulled her up high to let her go... swinging

Kickboxing as she's swinging...

Me on the other hand, yelling No, No, that's too high!  Lol

But God saw fit for me to survive the ordeal.  When my shaky body was on the ground, I would have knelt down to kiss it but there were too many people standing around.  Instead I thanked God for allowing me to still be alive and for not letting me vomit on the nice worker that brought me down as quick as he could.

Amariah enjoyed our time together so to me that's all I needed to make it worth it.  The things we do for our kids... geez!

We had a wonderful week and a very blessed week.  I go to mentor to our young girls but somehow they always manage to teach me also.  I was thrilled to have 2 of my kids there this week.  God is so very good!

I am grateful that we set aside a week out of our summer to go to a secluded place where yes, we have fun but more importantly we surround ourselves with sisters and brothers in Christ, dwell in His Word consistently through the week and just allow His anointing to pour all over us.  Thank you Lord for such a special time~

Homemade Laundry Detergent

Well I finally did it... I finally made homemade laundry detergent.  I have been seeing it pop up on the internet over the past year and a half. I always thought "Hmm... maybe".  With a family of five, some things you just go through pretty quick... laundry detergent being one of those things that seem to disappear not too long after it's opened.

The recipe I kept seeing pop up was Mary Jane's recipe from The Beehive Cottage.  [Click on her name or blog name to read more details about the recipe].  She is a sweetheart and has such a fun blog!  I suggest you go follow her even if you don't make her detergent.  She loves all things vintage... a girl after my own heart.  =]

There are only 4 ingredients:

3 bars Fels Naptha bar soap (each one is 5 1/2 oz)

4 lbs. Borax

4 lbs. Arm & Hammer Washing Soda

4 lbs. Arm & Hammer Baking Soda

Mix and store in airtight container.  2 tablespoons per load.

Copied from Mary Jane's recipe:

Cost to make: $12.63 = 8 1/2 cents a load!

16 pounds of detergent!

This recipe makes:

150 full loads = 2 Tablespoons per load.

The hardest part was grating the Fels bar soap.  I used my little hand held Pampered Chef grater and had to take a few breaks.  If you have a Kitchen-aid, this step would be a cinch.  The only other difficult thing about making this detergent was finding something big enough to mix it all in.  I used my two biggest Pampered Chef stainless mixing bowls, 4 quarts and 6 quarts to slowly combine it into a 2 gallon apothecary jar that I bought at Walmart for 10 bucks.

I hadn't had lunch yet and this was making me so hungry because it was looking like shredded cheese, lol!  Only, the soap smelled so much better than cheese.

Mmmm... my home was smelling so fresh and clean.  I bought "Tranquil Waters" essential oil to add a nice clean scent to my detergent.  As I was mixing this up, I realized how much I loved the clean linen smell so I didn't add the oil.

My favorite part of this whole process?  Reading the boxes as I was grating the soap.  How refreshing to read these words:

"Naturally Derived Since 1891"

"All Natural, Always Has Been"

"Pure & Natural Since 1874"

"Purity for Over 165 Years"

That's the whole point in making your own homemade laundry detergent... YOU can be in control of what chemicals do NOT go into the clothes of your family.  The cheap cost is just a fabulous benefit!  

My personal testimony for this detergent?  First of all, I LOVE the fresh, clean smell.  I am a suds kinda girl.  The more suds, the better because that means cleaner, right??  So wrong!  I didn't know that.  I really thought that suds = clean.  There are no suds with this detergent so don't sit and wait for them.  No suds, only a pure clean scent.  I went to the utensil aisle at Walmart and found this perfect 2 tablespoon scoop for around $1.60.  I wondered how such a small scoop could clean a super load of laundry.  We don't do any small or medium loads around here, only super.  I opened the lid on the washer and it smelled so good.  I have to say here that it was quite odd to see the little yellow pieces of Fels floating around in the water... they kinda resembled little worms because they were wiggling around, hehe!  When I transferred the clothes to the dryer, the fresh clean scent was so strong.  Mmm!  When I took them out of the dryer, yes the clothes were definitely clean but they still had a freshness about them.  Wonderful!

I did another load right after this one with my store bought detergent and I was amazed at the difference in scent!  I truly was shocked that the clothes didn't smell near as good when all this time I thought they smelled perfectly fine, haha!

That was one load, I will be back in about a month or so to give another review.  I'm really excited about sticking with this new detergent.  Plus it looks so much prettier in my laundry room than a big jug of Purex or All... don't you think?

I can be grateful that I even own a washer and dryer since there are so many all over this world that don't have this luxury.  Yes, I am blessed to own them and so are you.  But what I'm most grateful for is the all natural ingredients.  I love that God allows us choices every day.  I am choosing to change the things in our home and I'm grateful to be getting away from harsh chemicals.

Slowly going green.  Wanna come along?  Next up... dishwasher soap!

Busy Summer

Our summer has flown by so very quick that we didn't even get a real family vacation this year.  We took advantage of July 4th weekend and spent it in Branson, MO with some of my family.  We have a membership to Treasure Lake Resort.  Every year they set off a fantastic show of fireworks.

Little guy's favorite part of the whole trip was the playground.

Can you tell he has older siblings??  Haha!  Where does this stuff come from?

He was so content just playing all alone, having a good ol' time.

While little guy was having a blast all on his own... the big kids were having a great time of playing a game of tennis against Dad two against one.  We also spent most of the day swimming.

This was our only family trip for the summer.  Really a bummer but we have thoroughly been enjoying our not so lazy days of summer by the pool every single day and night.  Even though Tulsa has had 25 days this month in which the high temperature reached 100+ with the other 5 days being in the high 90's; our pool has been amazingly cool!  Rich made a PVC fountain to put on the return inlet which actually cools the pool quite nicely so the 107 temp, heat index 115 days aren't bothering us so much... as long as we are home by the pool, lol!

Sadly, we even missed out on the summer reading programs which we have always participated in for the past 10 years.  I am glad my kids are in sports and love to play... I love to watch them!  But when they reach middle school and high school age there is so much they have to do over the summer.  Between cheerleading, basketball, and football summer camps and practices, we had only two weeks available the whole summer for a family vacation.  The kids were able to visit their grandparents in MO individually here and there so they had their own little mini vacations plus we had a mission trip and church camp going on.

Busy, busy summer with school starting around the corner already... 11 more days!  So in between mandatory drug testing, cheer camp, school supply shopping, school clothes shopping these next ten days-- I can honestly say I am looking forward to school starting so I can catch a little breather, lol!

I love my kids and so grateful for them.  Even though they cost me lots and lots and lots and lots of $$$ and time and energy, I wouldn't trade it for a thing!  Yeah we run, run, run all over the place but we take advantage of every teachable opportunity that comes along so their learning about God and life is not only in the home, but also on the road.  I'm grateful that God provides those teachable opportunities so that I can train and grow my kids in the way that prayerfully pleases Him no matter where we might be!

Birthday Blessings

What a precious Birthday week I've had!

Started the weekend off at the Tulsa Flea Market setting up booth space with my friend Nancy.  We always have such a good time!  Her daughter Marie joined us this Saturday and we really enjoyed her company.  Marie bought some flowers from the fresh flower vendor and the sweet vendor gave her some FREE flowers!  So Marie found another vendor selling this awesome gallon mason jar for 5 bucks!  She added water to the jar, stuck the flowers in, and gave it to me to take home.  Sweet, sweet!

Sunday was Father's Day.  We invited MIL over for a hamburger cookout and swim.  She surprised us with a trip to the store... not only furnishing our whole meal, drinks, and dessert but also bought my favorites... strawberries!

Monday being my actual Birthday came and went with little fanfare.  Oh, I had the usual spoiling of not having to cook, clean, or take care of any kids... they took care of me.  I also was allowed to do whatever I wanted all day long, hehe.  I love my family.  It was a day spent

•  shopping with a friend
• a little decorating in my home
• strawberries and ice cream
• spending time with family
• ending the evening with scrapbooking

Wednesday was a special surprise!  Amariah and I were swimming before lunch.  She said we should get out and get dressed.  I didn't understand why... she couldn't give me a logical reason, keeping the surprise under wraps.  She got out so I decided to do some yard work in the back, wearing only my swim suit.  I was back there raking away and I hear someone hollering at me.  I turned around and there was one of my sisters, a niece and her 3 boys, and mom all the way from Missouri, about a 3.5 hour trip for them to my house!  We laughed all day long about the super surprised look on my face, me trying to hide behind a tree so I didn't blind them with my whiteness until my son rescued me, bringing me a towel, hahaha!

We left her 3 boys and my 2 boys at the house with sweet hubby =] while we went shopping!  We started out with lunch at The Pecan Porch.  A wonderful tea room with the best tortilla soup I have ever tasted.  We sat outside under the trees and enjoyed the nice, quiet country view.

After a delicious, filling lunch we set out to go shopping.  Boy, my niece can S-H-O-P!  We didn't even touch the mall.  We hit:  Garden Ridge, Burlington Coat Factory, Ross dress for less, Old Navy, Academy, SuperTarget, Kohl's, Seasonal Concepts, Gordman's, Hobby Lobby, $1 Jewelry Galore (for Amariah), Kirkland's... that I can remember.  I know I am leaving some out but goodness, she wore me out, lol!  In between all that, we tried out Kupcakz and gave it a 5 thumbs down.  Sadly all cupcakes went in the trash without being fully consumed.  But that's okay... cause we ended our full day of shopping at The Cheesecake Factory for dinner!  Yummy!!  We headed home after dinner.  After a little visiting with all the boys, they loaded up the car and headed back to Missouri.  How very blessed I am that my family cares enough about My Special Day to leave their homes at 7:30 in the morning and make it back at 1:30 the following morning!

Thursday evening was spent rocking the night away with two of my favorite bands along with many friends that came out to support them...  My husband, Rich's Christian Rock band Sending 68 and the national Christian Rock band Disciple.

A perfect way to end my Birthday week... a free night's stay at the Doubletree hotel in downtown Tulsa, a gift certificate my husband won this past year.  MIL came over to the house to spend the night with the kids while Rich and I headed out for an early dinner at Santa Fe Cattle Co, our favorite restaurant.  He insisted we hit Target for some snacks, then one more stop... to the AT & T store to get me a new iPhone!!  I was so shocked and surprised!  My iPhone had been dropped one too many times by my little guy and my home button no longer worked.  Every time I wanted to check out another app, use the phone, send a text... I had to shut down my phone and power it back up.  It was a booger to maneuver.  What a sweetie to buy me a new one!  We headed to the hotel, got the new phone up and running and just relaxed the night away.  It was so quiet without 3 kids running around.  So relaxing not having to take care of or clean up after 3 kids.  A perfect ending to a perfect week!

I am grateful to be surrounded by family and friends that love me enough to desire for me to have a very special Birthday week!

A week full of blessings and Birthday goodness~

One year ago...

This post is a week behind, for I wanted to post on the exact date but it didn't work out that way.  Such is life.

One year ago on June 17, I quit my job of 19 years.  I started working at Hobby Lobby in Springfield, MO in Oct. '91.  It had been a most enjoyable job.  Thus... the longevity.  I always enjoyed all the people I worked with and believe it or not, I always had terrific bosses.

In '94, I started traveling around with Hobby Lobby's "set-up crew".  We remodeled stores and set up new stores.  This was most definitely the highlight of my career... as much as Hobby Lobby can be called a "career".  I was living in Missouri at the time and Muskogee, Oklahoma was the first store outside of my state to remodel.  The second store was in Tulsa, OK.  I immediately fell in love with the people and the town.  I worked in Arkansas, Texas, Tennessee, and Mississippi but I always found myself coming back to Tulsa to visit.  That's how I ended up in Oklahoma after living in Missouri for the first 25 years of my life.  Such an exciting life, huh?  Lol!

I had felt for a couple of years that I should quit but then we bought a house so I kept working.  A few years later, I had that feeling again.  Every time my husband and I would talk about it and pray about it, it just never felt right, I never felt the release.  Plus... I didn't want to quit!  I absolutely loved my job!  That doesn't happen very often.

Then I knew the time had come.  I was fighting it hard.  I wasn't ready to quit.  But I could tell by a few things that happened within my family that I wasn't available for, that things had to change.  Still... I fought it.  Now I can look back and realize I was only fighting God.  At the time, I thought I was just fighting myself.  

I had a really, really bad week at work which was very unusual for me.  Oh yes, I always had the occasional bad day... who doesn't?  But I never had a bad week.  My husband suggested it was time for me to quit.  He saw it but I didn't want to see it.  I went back to work that next week and WOW!  I was still having a hard time at work for the oddest things.  So I took some time and spent it with the Lord... at least half the day with no interruptions.  Having 3 kids at home, I usually get an hour here or there but I made sure I had hours to spend with Him.  In that time, the Lord showed me.  He showed me that I never stopped long enough to be silent and hear what He had for me.  I was doing what I wanted to do, not what God wanted me to do.

I went back to work and put in my two week's notice.  Guess what?  I wasn't sad at all!  I finished out the two weeks and on that last day, I just felt happiness, I felt that release and it felt G-R-E-A-T!! 

The reason for this post isn't to bore you with my story but instead to give God glory for all that He has done for me... especially in this past year.

We were never worried about the income loss, we trusted God to provide for us.  He was the One moving us in this direction so we trusted Him.  All I can say is WOW!!  God blesses for obedience and I was thrilled with the blessings He was bestowing on us for finally following Him (okay... me for finally listening)!  We did not feel the loss at all.  As a matter of fact, we had more $$!  It literally drew our family closer together because I was available for them.  I wasn't too tired like I was every night when I worked.  Then on my days off I was feverishly doing house chores.  It was different now.  The way it should be.  We've always had 'sit down at the table' dinners but now I was able to really enjoy them and not be so tired.  I actually enjoyed cooking for them, lol.

Now, a year later; in so many ways, little and big, I can see God's Hands over all we do.  I'm grateful that He allowed me to work outside the home to help support our family.  But I'm even more grateful that the Lord now allows me to be home to raise my kids and take care of our home.  Isn't God so very good to us?

Sisterhood of the Rogers Clan

Every year, the Rogers side of my family has a Cousin's Weekend Retreat at the home of my Aunt Juanita.  If you have ever been to Big Cedar Lodge on beautiful Table Rock Lake in Branson, Missouri then you know what beautiful country it is.  Well my Aunt lives a couple of miles past Big Cedar in a huge two-story house on the lake all by herself.  Oh my, I did not want to come home, hehe!

It was a very nice June weekend and most of our time was spent outside on her double deck.

I left Catoosa, OK Saturday morning and met my mom in Ozark, MO for a wonderful cashew chicken lunch.  I left my car at my sister's house and then we headed on down to Branson.  Aunt Juanita is so gracious to open her home up to all of us!

As you can see, it is a fabulous time of laughing, eating, laughing, eating, and on and on.  I wish I had thought to get pictures of all the food.  Oh my!  We could have fed an army for weeks, lol!  The food was on the table, crammed in the fridge, covered the counters completely and we even had bags on the floor.  WAY too much.  But that's what we Rogers gals like to do... eat and laugh.  =]

I have to share these two picture because I love my family and I'm proud of my heritage!  My Aunt Juanita, our fantastic hostess, is on the left in the lime green shirt.  Then on the couch is Great-Aunt Vivian, Connie my mom, Great-Aunt Pauline, and Great-Aunt Susie.  Although they are my "great" relatives, we drop the great and just call them aunt (and uncle).  My grandma Blanche Anna was the oldest of 11 children.  Every year we have a huge family reunion of the Rogers clan in September.  It is so awesome because we are all so close and get along so well.  Good times, always!

Normally for these weekend retreats, it is girls only because we have a big slumber party.  There are plenty of beds in Aunt Juanita's huge home!  But sometimes, the men come down for a few hours during the day.  I love my Uncle Glen and Aunt Vivian.  They are the sweetest, cutest couple.

Breakfast Sunday morning on the deck was my absolute favorite part of the weekend... well besides spending time with all my aunts, sisters, and cousins.

Fresh fruit, homemade bread, and cinnamon rolls, beautiful view and weather, wonderful company... I mean really, can it get much better than this?

We had a most wonderful time together without the interruption of phones, kids, husbands, and just everyday life.  I missed my family and was ready to get back home but this weekend was much needed and will always live in my heart.

The Rogers family is faith based and has a strong love for His Word.  I'm grateful for the family that God has put me in and the heritage that goes along with it.  I am truly blessed to be surrounded by such a huge family that loves each other and gets along so well.  

I'll leave you with the Rogers family Bible verse (yes, we have a family verse) that we use to maintain the principles of our ancestors.  "He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?"

~Micah 6:8

Joplin, Missouri

As I was coming home yesterday from visiting my family in Branson, MO, I was trying to decide if I should take a drive through Joplin to see the tornado damage from exactly two weeks ago.  I was by myself and very curious to see if my favorite antique shop survived but I knew I wouldn't be able to handle what I was about to see.

I have no family and no close friends that live in Joplin, just acquaintances.  Since living in Oklahoma the past 15 years, I have made many, many stops in Joplin on the way to Ozark, MO to visit my family.  Joplin is the half-way mark between my parents home and my home; where I sometimes meet my parents to drop my kids off in their care or pick up my kids, or we will stop there to stretch our legs and get a snack.  I meet family and friends from my old home town to shop and eat.  

For the past two weeks I have seen numerous photos and news accounts from this devastation and heard numerous stories from family and friends that have been to Joplin the past two weeks to help out.  Everyone that has been says you can't prepare yourself enough for what you are about to see.  You can't even get a picture that shows what this devastation is all about.  You can't grasp it until you experience it.  Truth!

I'm at mile marker 15, the main Joplin exit is mile marker 8.  I start crying... wanting desperately to see the damage but wanting not to see it because I am and always have been an emotional girl.  On the outskirts of Joplin, you see a touch of where the tornado came across the interstate.  Although it destroyed a home & many trees and damaged a few around it... it still doesn't even prepare you for what you are about to see.

I drive up that exit ramp praying, crying, breathing deeply.  I look around and I'm relieved to see so many recognizable places.  I make the right turn off of Range Line Road and travel down to my antique shop "Antique Gallery".  I breath a sigh of relief as I see the little white building peeking out of the hill only to pull in and see a closing down sign.  I wonder why?  Did he lose his home?  His family?  Was he one of the 141 confirmed dead so far?

I get back on Range Line Road and travel further down the road.  I can't stop the tears from flowing.  I don't even know which fast food restaurant this is from... there is nothing left to identify it.

These pictures look small.  Please take the time to click on them, pull them up to get a better look at the destruction and pray for these people and the workers that are trying to restore this town.  

The Hobby Lobby store that I helped get ready to open many years ago was still standing.  Then I drove down a side street and another and came across this picture that was so eerie to me.  The playground was still standing but the subdivision it belonged to was completely destroyed with not a thing left standing.

This is the subdivision that the playground belonged to

Two weeks after the tornado struck, you can see where much work has been done already.  The streets are cleared and the piles are being made.  I just stood in awe in the middle of the street.  Every direction you look, there is piles of rubble that used to be a home.

Major clean-up started immediately after the shock of the tornado wore off and people realized there was much work to be done.

I can't even emphasize enough the feeling of eeriness this was for me.  I traveled through at 8:00 pm on Sunday evening after all the workers were gone for the day.  No one was out sifting through the remains of their home, it had already been done.  There were a few drifters like me out assessing and taking pictures.  The loneliness just consumed me and I couldn't quit sobbing.  I imagine this is what a ghost town must be like.  Or maybe even the rapture when Christ returns?

Amazing how the stop signs are still standing in all of the pictures that I took.  What normally seems so nondescript, now stands tall amongst the piles of wreckage all around it.

Yes, Thank You America!

Although I could not stop crying throughout this journey, it was somewhat comforting to see signs like this and the ones that said "God Bless You", "God Bless Joplin". The American flags amongst the ruins were a welcoming sight as well.

How can there not be more than 141 deaths in this catastrophe?

After driving down street after street you realize they are all the same.

Eeriness... you can see the dishtowel still hanging on the rod under the sink.

Eeriness... you can see a box fan dangling by its cord hanging off the side from what was at one time the second floor.  Also hanging off the side is bedsheets and clothes.

I stuck my camera out the window and took this picture as I was driving down the road.  It was the weirdest feeling to be surrounded by so much devastation for miles.  Oddly enough, the water tower still stands although their water was not safe to use for the first week.

Ironic... Yes, Alabama knows, don't they Cora?

I saw this as I was slowly driving down the street.  I had to turn around and go back by it again for it immediately caught my eye.  It was on the main street so I couldn't stop and take a picture.  Although it is blurry, it was a drive by shooting and I didn't think it would turn out but I'm glad it did.  In the pink and purple bedroom of a little girl, there is a little pink dress and a little purple dress still hanging in the closet.  So very eerie to me...

There is hope.  They will survive.  They will rebuild.

Please pray for them.

I had sensory overload in this short hour which seemed like it lasted for weeks.

• the smell... rot, decay, death
• the sound... deathly quiet
• the touch... of my broken heart for these poor people
• the sight... of nothing like I've ever seen in my entire life

The only word I can describe this experience with is Eerie.  To see so many things that I use every day in my home that I don't think a second thought to and seeing these same things laying around in the rubble of what used to be another's home... really brought this tornado destruction to light for me.  Now it's not just pictures I see or  stories I hear... it is another person, like me that is now without a home, their belongings, their family heirlooms, their memories in pictures or photo albums, or worst yet possibly without their loved ones.

I cried the rest of the hour and half drive I had left.  I prayed for these people.  I prayed for the workers as the past week and week ahead have been 90+ temps that they have been and will be working in.  I thanked God for my family and my friends.  I praised Him for all that He is and He has blessed me with.

My family will be heading that way sometime to help.  I'm not sure how soon I can go back but I know that I must.  As heart wrenching as this situation was for me, I am so very grateful that God allowed me to experience it.  I was fully reminded that God's grace is receiving what we do not deserve and His mercy is not receiving what we do deserve.