That moment when we opened a zoo.....no a gym...and not just your normal gym.....

We visited DC this summer and I snapped
this while the sun was going down. I know
Willy was thinking about Four Freedoms.

Willy and I have been on some kind of adventure over the past 4 1/2 years. Sometimes its been our own and sometimes it has involved circumstances and adventures with those that we love and care about. All of which have inspired us to make the most out of everything. Everyday. We have had mountain tops...and many valleys. Valleys where the ground is fertile. Valleys for seed planting...pruning... losing and harvesting. Back in January when we spent a week in the hospital with Gabe and the "holy femur", we had a turning point in our life. We realized there were many things we were waiting on. The perfect timing. Like so many times when people are starting a family....They want to make sure things are in order. That "perfect" timing. We all know there is no such thing. Yet how many times are we waiting...... How many times do we even say...Waiting on the Lord....And yes there are those times and then there is Faith.....


Willy decided in the hospital that week that he was done waiting for the perfect timing. He had a stirring he just couldn't harness anymore. Last October we started a Run for God class at our church. 32 people signed up with hopes of losing weight...having some "me time"...increasing running speed....or simply being around a group of encouraging people. Oh the ones who started with I CANT....Run! So.... We told everybody it mattered not. We could walk...run...or waddle for the Lord. Just show up. So for 12 weeks we did just that. We not only trained for a 5k. But we studied scripture and its relationship to running the race. Willy has an amazing gift of encouragement and it was refreshing to watch him become everyones biggest cheerleader. What an amazing, proud moment to watch them all. Run their race....

So the beginning of February Willy came to me and said.....I need to tell you something but I don't want to respond. Ha...that was a first....Me not responding. I just listened because I knew it was from his heart and I was to be sensitive to what he had stirring. He told me that he wanted to open a gym. A group fitness gym. He told me that he fell in love with what we did during Run for God and he wanted to do that EVERYDAY! He already had a business plan written out. Where.. How much...I just listened.....But Willy didnt just tell...I didnt just listen....We did it. All out.....and its been awesome.


Our purpose for the gym is to encourage someone to become more. So many times we get stuck in who we are. We use the excuse of being happy and content with ourselves. Trust me...Ive done and said the same. But what I have come to realize that a constant transformation of the mind...body...and soul through Christ is in constant need of growth. This one life we have to live is not all about us. And thats where Champion Fitness was born. But we didnt just stop with Champion Fitness. A love we have encountered is CrossFit. Most people have heard of it. From the outside it has come with much opinion...on the inside it comes with much passion.

3 Weeks ago we became a CrossFit affiliate. It like most business offers a brand. Thats respected and identified. We could have done CrossFit workouts and skimp on the affiliate but we take pride in being who we say we are. So if we are doing a CrossFit workout....You are coming to a CrossFit gym.  In the CrossFit world gyms are called a box. As an affiliate you get to choose a name for your box. We decided on Four Freedoms CrossFit. It identifies where we are...who we are....and the community we are so passionate about joining us. Will it be the biggest CrossFit gym...No...Maybe even the smallest. But you better believe the passion and belief for those who walk in the doors to become Champions is out of this world! I am so proud of Willy. He has much vision and love for a healthy community. So while many may be scratching their heads....We are scratching along too.

We are so thankful for friends and family that have been so encouraging. To those not...You spur us on. We are so thankful for those who have partnered with us. Our instructors for both group fitness and CrossFit who are beyond experienced, beyond certified and have just as much...If not more passion for the same purpose of changing lives. For the ones that helped so much restoring a historic building down town. You all are AMAZING! We are so thankful for hearts that pour into ours and encourage us. So when you think of Four Freedoms CrossFit and Champion Fitness, know that the people walking through the doors are finding much more than a daily workout. We are striving to be champions in every area of life. Come join us.

Workouts in the gym are useful but 

a disciplined life in God is far

more so, making you fit both

Today and Forever

1 Timothy 4:8

Its gonna be O.K......

Today I have worked on processing thoughts, feelings, fears, questions.....from yesterdays visit. Funny how the same information shared from a year and a half ago still has the same sting. I have often thought of what it would feel like to hear the word "cancer" as a diagnosis for either of my parents. Even the thought of heart attack, stroke....All of the normal everyday things we all seem to know someone fighting against... But I have to tell you.... Dementia....Alzhiemers....just have to be the most horrific words....thoughts go crazy. Fear. Questions. Feelings....They are uncontrollable. What must it feel like...to a man... to hear those words? It's heart wrenching to watch and wonder.....how his soul must feel?? And then there's my mom. The one who has my whole life seemed so weak. She is strong. She is a warrior. Waiting to fight. In full armor. She's always ready. She has taken a new role. Not that Dad is any weaker....this has just made mom....become a new person.



I have had countless conversations with so many about not worrying about what tomorrow will bring. Oh how wonderful those scriptures are to rest in. We know that....Even though its hard....Its called..."Easy preaching, hard living". However...we sure want to live by them. More importantly than not worrying about tomorrow. We are living for today. We all know life is a precious gift. Like a vapor. Here today, gone tomorrow. I think too often we forget we will not live forever. We think this is eternity to the point of thinking we are invincible. But we are not...



Some may look...I sure have...at a diagnosis and think...so sad... and it is. But let me tell you who isn't. My dad! He told his Dr today that he was the happiest he has been in his entire life. We have no idea what the Lord will bring in his future. But we know what has been lived in his past. He helped create the most amazing memories for my sister and I along with mom. He has been the most romantic guy. The gifts he has given and surprised her with over the years would amaze you. I have no idea where he got the ideas. There was no way he could look at her pinterest boards. He journaled and wrote letters. I saved them all. He would leave notes and candy on mine and Jennifers pillows at night. He kept a journal the entire pregnancy while I carried Gabe, to Gabe. What an amazing gift that will be to him one day. It is precious. I could go on forever...The most important thing is....He has left nothing undone. So while I hear a Dr tell us of possibilities to come. I get mad. And angry. I feel cheated. All of which have left me heart broken today from pure selfishness. How selfish....Of what someone longs for in a father their whole life....I have had an abundance of. How selfish...I feel cheated of time.....when I have had so many years of wonderful memories. How selfish...Of worrying my boys will be cheated when they now have reached the ages that they will never forget. How selfish...that I want him here for my mom.....and shes so stinking spoiled rotten after all these years. ;) Years of which most live longing for just a portion of what they have shared.



I am thankful for perspective. And how the Lord can help focus on a path of faith even when you have no idea where its leading. That life is worth living for now. Its been life changing and freeing for that attitude over the past few years. Its not about waiting for life to happen... and then start living. Its not about waiting for retirement. Its not about waiting for the next promotion. Its not about waiting or rushing the kids to hit their next milestone. Its not about waiting for them to potty train...learn to read... learn to drive...Waiting.....Don't wait life away....because you just might not have time.....Be the best you can...at what your doing now. With who you love to do it with. If the Lord puts a stirring in your heart to chase another dream. Do it. You may have just enough time to pour into someone elses life....In areas you never dreamed of.



So when you see my dad... and mom....Know that they are happy. And blessed... Know that we are filled with so much joy and thankfulness that the Lord has given us so very much to be thankful for. And when you think about it...Live your life.....in the here and now. Be present. Be a difference maker in the lives around you. So that you will one day be able to say no matter what comes at you....There is not one thing you have to regret. I'm so proud to say my daddy lives like that. Everyday!



This is a song I have listened to a lot this week. This video made is beautiful. What a blessing to have both an earthly and Heavenly Father's unending love.


Britt Nicole Dont Worry Now
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BpXBmDWyQ_A

NOT Advocare AGAIN?!?! Somethings are worth sharing. Yes...AGAIN!

When Willy and I made a decision to do Advocare a few years ago it came out of complete desperation. I am sure on the outside looking in it was puzzling. We had just moved into a new house. I was staying at home with the boys and Gabe was in private school. That looked good on the outside. Who would have known of the struggle on the inside? It wasn't meant to be known. Perhaps because of the embarrassment, guilt, frustration, weakness and shame. All things that come along with life's consequences. One may look under a magnifying glass to try and pin point at what point was a bad decision. There was not just one. It was a result of little decisions and changes. Some we had complete control over and others none. It was a result of a few years of mama staying at home with her babies. Daddy taking another job to provide more, only to discover the economy would ruin the company and its families would feel the suffering. Yes...while some things were out of our control. There was something in our control and it was a decision. To do something different.

I can not tell you what an uproar it created with not all....but some in our lives. There was chatter of many ideas and words of why The Gamaleros were crazy, selfish, money hungry to pursue working Advocare as a plan B income. We heard it...we felt it...and we kept going. No one has EVER chattered feelings of me cleaning teeth...besides those who think its gross.....so funny when you sometimes going outside the norm there becomes just that...chatter...


Sure Advocare is not traditional. We did the traditional way and saw where it got us. We no longer just wanted to be normal. A normal struggling family who lives life to make ends meet? Never able to reach out to offer a helping hand because we were so focused on taking care of our own messes. Who continues to  live like that when they discover a way out?

I understand opinions have no weight when there is only one's ideas and not truth and facts. Sometimes real life makes perfect sense. Not the things we play around with in our mind. When I discovered a few years back that my mind can create the most closed minded idea of what life is supposed to look like for others...I was free and it set those who I was opinionated about, FREE.


Thankfully, we cleaned up the mess and now focus on helping others clean up theirs. Although its nice to have a clean house...It is also nice to be prepared for the unknown. Much like a hurricane...We prepare here in Florida for we understand the need for preparation whether the disaster hits or not. Whether it is horrific or not. We prepare.

For the past month. We have been in the middle of a hurricane. We still are in one....Just hoping and praying its only the outer bands. But I am here to share with you. Your idea of traditional and what my life should look like in the area of my profession holds no weight to leaving my baby during the storm. I have an incredible job. I work two days a week for a great Dentist and EVERYONE I work with are like family. But of course...if I am not there...I do not get paid. They all love me but no one has offered to pay my mortgage this month;) Oh you either?....Exactly.

So whats the point of this post? Here are a few.....

In the middle of the hurricane....I never once had to think about a J.O.B. I did think about the mess it may have created for others to have to fix my schedule but not once did I worry about my own needs and provisions because I was missing work. Maybe you don't either for a short time because of vacation days. I don't have those.

Gabe with tear filled eyes asked me on a Tuesday night in the hospital to "please don't go to work the next day and leave me".  I promised I would not go back until he was ready for me too.

So you see....Advocare may have a very different meaning and truth if you choose to see it for what its worth. No, its not for everyone but anyone can do it. There is no back ground education required..No specific work experience. Just a burning desire to help people. Can I do that cleaning teeth. Yes... with oral health and prevention of decay...But families.. upon families...to help in the  middle of a storm lighten the load. I didn't say save the world...I said....lighten the load. Because the first thing on our minds during the storm was not money....it was not a job...it was not fear of losing a job...It was our baby! Period!


So next time you think of the Gamaleros working Advocare here is what my prayer is that you see....The truth...and not just your opinion. The freedom to not have to worry about provisions when life happens. Even some of my friends in faith would argue....Provisions come from the Lord...YES they do and we take this as a provision from him. Besides I once heard a wise man named Andy Andrews say....

"God feeds the birds but he doesn't put worms in their nests".

He has prepared us, grown us, transformed us through this opportunity and we will forever be grateful to him for that. Doesn't he do that for you too? Remember what he works through and provides for you and me may not look alike....but he is opportunity. He has given us friendships and prayer warriors what we would have never met if not through this opportunity. Many...across our great nation. He has shown us that a plan B is a great idea. Our jobs get us by...Plan B takes care of emergencies. It takes care of mistakes. It takes care of time with our boys. It has been a blessing.

The Gamaleros do this thing called Advocare and we are on a mission to help other families who need and desire some weight lifted off. Some freedoms to be able to be there with those who need you. The freedom to not need a dollar so bad that you have to miss the important things you so desire to never miss. The freedom to pay it forward and give it away.


Truth is...The Lord blessed our efforts of building a business to honor him. Through our faith...through our family...our friends...our finances..our health. In everything we do, our desire is to honor him with our efforts. Has the road been easy...not always. But worth it!

Just some thoughts that have been stirring this week. As I have been home.......with my loves!!

 

 

 

The week we learned of "The One That Really Matters"

This past week has been...I can not even think of a word. It comes with many words and emotions.

Here's how the story goes:

On December 18th as we pulled out of the Port of Jamaica, Gabe and some friends played in the water park on our ship. It was amazing and just like every other day it came with laughter..running..playing..just pure FUN! Gabe decided that he would climb up the slide backwards. I am sure in pursuit of catching someone. He fell and Willy saw him take a pretty hard blow to his right knee. He saw him get up slowly and commented to himself..."Thats gonna hurt". Gabe continued to play and we continued to chill! That night he began complaining about it and started limping. The limping continued when we got home and into Christmas. He would complain of it often and I thought it would take some time to heal. It never was swollen. Trust me...we could see if it was. His knee is made up of bone and skin. Thats it. I know every knee is...but this one..well...it is the true definition of "bony". On the 27th of December I finally decided to call TOC. He had complained too long and actually asked for me to take him to the Doctor. Do not judge. He hadn't given me any other reason to think it was something major. Im sure that anyone who knows me knows that I would have had him flown out on a helicopter from the ship if I was that worried enough. The X-ray at TOC was negative for any break or anything else for that matter. So home.. Ibuprofen.. compression and lots of TLC. Follow up appointment on the 13th. day after our Marathon. Perfect! He continued to run around like a crazy person...with a limp. He had gotten great at limping..skipping..hopping..but never walking normal. On the 5th he started waking up during the middle of the night. SCREAMING with his knee and BEGGING for the compression wrap. I called and they suggested to keep doing the same thing and keep the appointment on the 13th. On the 15th he fell on it again. No serious pain...just a fall and get back at it again. Thursday morning...professor Klump leg. It was fevered and red and swollen and Mama was serious about getting into TOC. After a couple of calls and Sorry we don't have anything I text a friend from church who works there along with the picture of his leg and a this mama is on her way to Tallahassee. Something is wrong. After another X-ray...There was a "spot" that now showed up and was of great concern. The Dr told us all of the possibilities it could be. My heart raced and Willy passed out (literally). We immediately had an MRI and within an hour got a call to have our bags packed and ready for surgery on Friday after we met with a pediatric orthopedic doctor. Freak out mode would be the correct term. I was officially there. Surgery...on who knows what...on my baby. I know many people have gone through it before but when its happening to you it is very scary. We finally were taken back to surgery at 6:30 after 22 hours of no food. That was fun too. When the surgeon met with us post surgery...he scratched his head and said..."I don't know what it is. I thought I would find infection but it was nothing".. It was a hole. In his bone on the bottom of his femur. I looked at him and said..."What do you mean you don't know?!?!??!" He said "I am sorry. I just don't"....He said that what little bit of fluid and bone he got out he would wait to see if it grew any bacteria or anything on the biopsy. So we waited....and waited....and waited... While we waited...and got through the first night.  Rough first night, but after that. Perfect. Nothing was concerning in his blood work. No fever. No sickness. Nothing. Just a hole in the knee that no one seemed to know what caused it. Our Pediatrician was then brought in because the surgeon had done his job. Dr Martin is in with Dr Elzie at Professional Park Pediatrics. On a side note.. Parents... as of Jan 1 that group of Pediatrics are the ONLY ones who will be taking care of their patients if they are admitted into the hospital. If you are with another group you will be assigned a practitioner through the hospital. Also....THE ONLY Pediatric Infectious Disease Dr in Tallahasse no longer works at the hospital. The other TWO Infectious Disease Drs in Tallahassee would NOT look at Gabes pathology slides...growths..or whatever they do. THANKFULLY.....The ONE doctor in Tallahassee just joined with Dr Martin and Elzie at their office. Can I just add that the Lord made it clear to me during a scary time...that he was in control. Not a coincidence! Dr Martin was an angel. He probably would laugh and think we were a little crazier if he knew I said that....but he was AWESOME!! He took such great care of Gabe, got things moving and reassured us that he would work very hard to find us answers. By Tuesday morning..we still had no answers. Dr Martin and Dr Borom both agreed it was time for Shands and had already been on the phone with Dr Gibbs. They were just as ready for us to leave and find answers too. During our stay the nurses were AMAZING!!! Everyone fell in love with Gabe and Gabe told me he had no desire to go to Shands. He loved his nurses where we were. He didn't think they would be "as nice". So without explaining every minute of frustration....fear...and exhaustion...you can use your imagination. It was the hardest few days of my life. I could not think...My heart hurt. Literally. Like to the point I almost asked the Nurse to take my BP when she did Gabes. I spent the last day in the hospital bed as Gabe sat in the chair and read...played...or scooted around. I felt like I should have been the patient. I was so worried about my baby I could not function. I had taken all of my continuing education and favorite books Im reading...just to open them and close them. Although I didn't feel like I was functioning ...I sat or laid..in prayer. Not really prayer because I couldn't put into words anything. I sang...and Willy listened to worship music. We both had periods of crying. We didn't hide too much of it from Gabe. We made sure we let him know we were scared too but we also were fully dependent on the Lord. I tried to explain promises of scripture and that no matter how we felt....they never change. I do not know what I would have done without Willy. He never left. Except to run and get food. He was so afraid if he left he would miss answers. I know he was afraid too. But he was strong. He was an encourager. He would clean and tidy the room every morning after he made my Spark. On a side note...Spark...It was a necessity and we put it to the test. Not that we had any doubt but the nurses sure asked what we were drinking;) #thankfulforsomeSPARK He would stop and have prayer with Gabe. He was amazing and there is no one person more perfect for me to weather the storms with than this man. I am so thankful for him. His love for his family is evident in all that he does. I fell even more in love this week. So...after the talk of sending us to Shands...and two different ideas of how we would get there. They stopped the transfer after we had sent all of our clothes back with our dear sweet friend to Madison so mom could wash them just in time for Willy to pick them up and catch back up with Gabe and I in the hospital transfer van. Because Gabe was not sick Dr Martin thought it was over kill. I agree and am glad he didn't. I am sure we have over met our deductible but I'm glad not to have all of that tacked onto it. So we headed home on Tuesday, packed our bags again and COULD. NOT. WAIT. to get into our BEDS! And thats when Ben got the stomach bug.....around 3 am. I will save you from any descriptions. But I will tell you...I did NOT want to drop him off the next morning. He already wanted Mama and now I was dropping him off to take care of Gabe....He just could not understand WHY he couldn't go with us. "I'm sick too", he said.

We met with Dr Gibbs...with ALL of the charts and tests and you name it. All of it besides the Petri dish. Its still in Tallahassee trying to figure out what kind of bug is actually growing. After looking at it all Dr Gibbs was convinced it was a chondroblastoma. I benign bone lesion that is very fast growing. He did remind us that Pathology was pending and if it did grow something then it would be what they originally thought, infection. He said he would not know the Pathology report until today.. the 16th. He had us scheduled for surgery today, but decided that we should wait for the wound to heal. He wanted to access the same area but no surgery on a fresh wound. He literally got into my face and told me to look into his eyes. He told me that it was not cancer. And whatever it was...he was going to be ok. Willy and I were so relieved yet still nervous. A bone lesion is scary. His is not in a great spot. It is very close to the growth plate and joint. Not a good thing for a growing leg...So Dr Gibbs and his entourage of Drs and nurses walked out while we stayed with his scheduling nurse for an appointment on the 29th followed by surgery on the 30th.

10 minutes later. Maybe. Dr Gibbs came back in. Walked by Willy and I. Shook Gabes hand and said...Congratulations...You have Osteomyelitis. I didn't even hear him. I think my heart may have even skipped a beat. Maybe I even died for a split second I really don't know. Willy told the Dr to SHUT UP! In a good way. Everyone laughed. I was still wondering if I was dead. I don't know why it only took 10 minutes rather than a day....But I think the Lord KNEW. Mama needed to know. Not just mama....but everyone. So we wait....still...on what the bug is. Right now treatment is...2 months oral antibiotics (this is subject to change. Possibly to IV at home antibiotics. That would be a challenge. But we could do it!) Gabe does have a fracture at the very bottom of his femur. Under the actual hole. He is not able to put any weight on his leg for a while. Dr Gibbs informed us that this is actually a very timely healing process, more so than the chondroblastoma. His body will have to make new bone and we are PRAYING that all of the bacteria is out of the hole. We DO NOT want to have to go back in for more surgery.
I can not begin to tell you the things the Lord has taught me. He once again has reminded me of his faithfulness and comfort. EVEN WHEN I felt like I was dying. I knew....He was not changing. I knew...that he was in control and I know that he carried me. All of us.....

On our way to Shands a friend messaged me to let me know she had left something for Gabe in her mailbox. It was a comfort cross. It fits into the palm of the hand to hold it in a tight grip. I noticed Gabe grabbed it when we got out of the truck and put it into his pocket. When the Dr walked in....he slipped his hand inside his pocket and I could see his clenched fist. It wasn't until the Dr came back with the news of osteomyelitis did he take it out of his pocket and wave it at us. Willy looked at Gabe with tears in his eyes and said...You got it didn't you?  He's been here all along and we are to thank him. We talked about prayer and its power. It was five minutes that I will remember forever. Gabe cried too. I know that he knows...and it touched my soul. We talked about the scar being a reminder of how the Lord worked through His people and prayer.

 We are home, Thankfully. We still have some answers to find. Like THE BUG! Ugh!! And what will exactly kill it. I am praying we caught it early. I am believing we did. I am not sure why no one seems to make sense of it all. Perhaps thats exactly why. The Lord doesn't need an explanation. He doesn't have to play 100 scenarios in his head of what might have been. He knows. We told every nurse and every Dr we believe there doesn't have to be a reason. We are thankful Gabe hasn't been sick and pray that it stays that way. Gabe wasn't meant to have distinct characteristics of disease. He was meant for some reason to teach the world around us.....There is someone orchestrating on a much grander level than we could even comprehend. Thank you for all of the prayers and like I have posted. The gifts..the visits..the texts..the calls..the messages...the transporting of clothes...the cards...and just showering us with love.  My mind is still processing what in the world just happened and what is going on. Today I have had waves of fear as I unpacked of getting a call to pack back up again. Or that the petri dish shows something else.  I am praying that away so I can enjoy all of us being home together and continue to trust in answered prayers. We Love the journey the Lord has us on. He has spent the last year and a half showing us just how much we need him and how he is forever present. And just how much the world needs to hear of the same hope love protection and grace. Praying our family's life song sings just that! We Learned about "The One That Really Matters"  Click to hear Willy's theme song.

That moment when...all you see is Love

Yesterday I drove Buck and Betty to Jacksonville's Mayo Clinic. (Yes.. They are my Dads Mom and Dad and Ive always called them by their names. Rumor has it.... when I was born they were "too young" to be called Granny and Papa.) This trip was unlike any other one. Much different than our visits lately. Let me share what I experienced. I hope when you are available to those around you...you too...will find something special there...In that moment...... 



I look over at his frail body. Hunched over... The spine has now taken a turn. The body of what once stood a man. Strong, sturdy, planted firm on the ground as he stood.... Has slowly dwindled to an aging body....weak knees that can barely hold himself up. I see the love of his life cut up his food because the dexterity in his hands are slowly following his legs. Much like infancy this old body seems to be returning back to the involuntary, uncontrolled movements. These are the things I can see. It's a mystery of what's inside the heart and mind.  As  I look it breaks my heart of clinging to the memories of how he used to stand. I easily could make tears. Lots of them and then I change my thinking.... It's amazing at the emotions from one perspective  to the next.

So as I stare at the man  inside a shell of what looks like torture ....there... I see Jesus. I see his love. The love of his life. His help meet. His waitress. His barber. His dresser. His care taker. His pharmacy. His encourager. His reminder of reasons why to grow stronger.  His very reason of now living. I see love. The love I'm convinced most people never experience in a lifetime because they never have to truly depend on it. I see patience. I see kindness. I see unselfishness. I see servant.  I see weary. I see exhaustion yet plenty of energy. 

I found it amazing at what most of us see as inconvenience, brokenhearted, lack of hope... may be exactly what they have been longing for their whole lives. As we too are in the middle of growing ours..... What a blessing to watch and share with the experience. An experience that shows me exactly who I want to be. I want to love like that. A selfless love with no conditions. 

What a blessing I experienced as I took the day to be with them. It was different. Different than dropping in for a visit. It was a slow pace. Never in a hurry. I watched others give a simple smile. A nod. Acknowledgement  much like most do with babies. There is something sweet. Something special about the life it represents. Too bad they haven't seen it through my eyes. I see it as a gift. A gift to celebrate, honor and give thanks for. It is a legacy that has been left for me. That was passed down by my amazing parents and I pray I am living the same. 

So take the time. To be available. It may just be the perfect day that totally changes your perspective on what seems to be failing. Failing to thrive. Failing to live and enjoy. That's not it. Not it at all. Its simply the greatest of these.......It is Love. 

If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn't love others, I would only be a noisy gang or a clanging cymbal. If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God's secret plans and possessed all knowledge and if I has such faith that I could move mountains, but didn't love others, I would be nothing. If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it, but if I didn't love others, I would have gained nothing. 

Love is patient. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoiced whenever the truth wins out. Love NEVER gives up, NEVER loses faith. Is ALWAYS hopeful and ENDURES through EVERY circumstance. 

Prophecy and speaking in unknown languages and special knowledge become useless. But LOVE will last FOREVER!

Now our knowledge is partial and incomplete, and even the gift of prophecy reveals only part of the whole picture. But when the time of perfection comes, these partial things will become useless. 

When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things. Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely.

Three things will last FOREVER......

Faith Hope and Love

The greatest of these is Love

1 Corinthians 13:1-13

That moment when....you realize The Lord made our hearts like buckets....

Blog inspired by some of my most favorite BFF's Mike and Leslie Vullo and this awesome book.

A few weeks ago I had a dear sweet friend tell me of a book her husband picked up and thought I would enjoy reading it to the boys. It's called Have You Filled a Bucket Today? She let us borrow it and I fell in love. Building champions in this game of life has become a passion of ours. In every area, any age. To encourage character and integrity. I know this is a huge job. I do not claim to have it mastered but I take it seriously and work really hard to live in a way I am leading. This book makes me think of those things. Not only teaching them to our children but living a bucket filled life myself.

First and foremost you must know that everyone has an invisible bucket and just because we don't see each other carrying it around doesn't mean its not there. I believe the bucket resembles a lot of our heart. These are the things that can fill it up or totally dump it entirely. Now onto what is inside the bucket. 

There are two types of people we encounter. Bucket fillers and bucket dippers. I think the names are pretty self explanatory. The book doesn't refer to this but I also think there is third and that's someone who could care less about adding or taking away any value, which I suppose could be a dipper. Sad, but true and we probably know more than we would like to admit. So here is my take on buckets and I think it could be a life changing lesson to grasp.


So everybody has a bucket....Either we are filling buckets or ours are being filled by friends and then..... there is the dipping. People who I suppose, live to dip out every ounce of greatness. 

All day long, we are either filling up

                                                       or dipping into each other's buckets

 by what we say and do.  

I have never understood the need, the desire, the fulfillment to be a bucket dipper. Why? Its much like bullying. Bullying has become a huge topic in our society. The awareness that its here and the cry out for prevention is at its all time high. I remember when I was in school it was brushed off as something you were meant to brush off and overcome on our own. Meanwhile there are people walking around my age struggling with the effects of their past bucket dippers. So this is my take...If we are making a stand it must first start at home with mama and daddy. I, in no way, have a right to read this book to my boys encouraging them to be bucket fillers if I am at home dipping everyone else's buckets inside my four walls. I love watching children and how they respond to life. I've listened to my own and have cringed when I have heard them say or do things with my same attitude about life some days. You can bet at some point in time whether at home or away your kids will call you out. So if its not something you would want repeated....better keep your bucket full.


For the bucket fillers. Man...I have so many in my life. I bet you do to. When they walk in a room...Into your presence that very moment increases in value. It feels safe...enjoyable.. and not much work besides being your best you. They are positive, uplifting. They celebrate what you celebrate. They even may mourn when you need to. I posted earlier this week on Facebook that 85% of the people in your life would love to see you fail...Those would be dippers and the 15% would be these friends. Who become your biggest cheerleaders. Who celebrate YOU!!

Now for the ones who could care less. I think these are the most dangerous. Living with nothing more than going through the motions. With no purpose. Little depth to relationships and wanting everyone they know to join them. They usually have no interest in any ones bucket being full or empty and chances are they didn't even know there was a bucket.

So what I want to share is how to keep yours full! How to fill others so that people in your life want full buckets and pay it forward. Just be one! When you are....It fills your own. Have you ever walked away from adding value to someones life saying to yourself...Man I want to do that again! Its awesome!! It takes work. Looking out for others always does. Its noticing they are there. Being in tune to them hurting. Maybe they have a great need? Its simple acts of kindness. Maybe a note to tell them how much they are valued. Sometimes the simple gesture of a smile. Willy challenged some friends and I to try it this week. Just catch someones eye he says and smile.....It may change the course of their day. Other things to remember when keeping your bucket full is surround yourself with BFF's. BUCKET FILLING FRIENDS. They are vital. And if you cant think of any friends in your own life...Find some new ones.


DON'T DIP!!! No matter how good it may make you feel for the moment. Remind yourself. of what that moment makes you become. Its the 85%. Who are viewed as not only selfish but jealous. Its viewed as bullying.  Weak....I cant imagine being OK with any of those adjectives for a description of myself yet we all are guilty of dipping at one point or another. I say its worth working hard to protect your lid.



Use your lid. The lid protects your bucket and never be afraid to use it. There may even be a period of time where it needs to stay on depending the circumstances. I remember us encouraging our oldest through this concept and something profound Willy said. He said.... Nothing has any value, meaning no one has the right or ability to dip unless you allow it. if whats being said is not true leave your lid on! don't let someone come into your life speaking opinions that hold no value or truth dip your bucket. Use your lid for others. Help other people protect their buckets. You may be the only one to prevent the dipping. And you may be the only one keeping the good inside and allowing nothing less to hop into the bucket. We could all use friends like these.


So just in case you didn't know WE ALL walk around with these invisible buckets....doesn't it make sense? I know I mentioned before these buckets are much like our hearts. I have a strong desire to protect my own but that's not good enough. I want to yearn to protect the hearts and buckets of others. Don't you??

A couple of weeks ago I went to my car and found this bucket. It was filled with all sorts of goodies and a card. I have to say I think this was better than flowers! It was a total surprise and very humbling to think of myself as a BFF (Bucket Filling Friend).







I pray that I always am working at filling buckets...and more importantly that my boys see that in me too. They are watching...and I think we could all agree we would love to have children who live to fill the buckets of others. So lets start with showing them how.

That moment.....when you learn there is more to perspective than your own.

Perspective is a funny word to me. Its meaning defined as an outlook...a point of view...position...stance...interpretation. NO where have I found truth, a fact or belief. Yet our own perception in our heart we define as truth. Key word, our own. In the past few years after defending my perspective of many areas in my life I have finally discovered its totally worth defending but does not require explanation. 

Think about things in your own life of times you have spent defending. Now think of the times you have spent attacking someone else's. Maybe the perspective was changed? Maybe not. Does it really matter when your own becomes truth inside your very heart. Now before anyone argues my perspective about truth please understand my definition of truth I work very hard to align with scripture. Its my hearts desire to filter every perspective through the Lords truth. If it doesnt match up, my perspective is wrong. PERIOD! What I am referring to is this point of view and interpretation of life of what we view and disect in lives around us. 

Sure I look around sometimes and think...what in the world are they thinking?!?! Or I so would not choose to do that!! Or WHY this decision...why that decision? WHAT IF....their perspective, after filtered through the truth and a stirring the Lord lays on their heart is so real, so amazing, life changing.....and then your perspective about theirs is as Willy would put it....GARBAGE! I love how the Lord has shown me that my ways are not always the ways of others and theirs mine. Thank the Lord. He puts my own stirring in my own heart. 

I was reminded of this the other day when I came across a stundent going to college. Possibly making a career out of college. I think college is overrated in some cases. (Dont worry...I will refrain from telling your children this so make sure they are not reading) But I do. My heart loves to be home..be a housewife..and love on my boys. Who needs college for that? I did not insert cleaning or cooking. I just love all of the other things in between. Now I could have told this kid my perspective of school being overrated. That one day surely she would want to do all of those things I am doing. Why go through the torture? But she may not. The Lord has something stirring in her heart so great. So far than any other stirring I have ever had about school in mine. Dreams that she has dreamt since a young child. That probably her parents encouraged her and have walked with her every step of the way. So how GARBAGE would that be of me to tell her how ridiculous my perspective is. 

So the perspective as a college student, a kid, an adult, an elderly person....Its a point of view..a stand...a position...an attitude...and it becomes the beating in their chest. 

The moment I realized this it was freeing! And it allowed everyone else in my mind to be free. I am still a work in progress. Every once in a while when someone throws their perspective out there I start sweating under my arms, my heart beats a little faster, I may feel like I want to clock them one... but I am reminded....There is a reason. They don't have my same stirring.

Since I have been running alot these days I will use a picture of how perspective can sometimes be false. 

In this picture you see a timed 3 mile run. It looks great. Cat like speed that day.....

AND heres why.....


  In the picture below you see clouds. It doesnt look too bad right? What you dont catch are these things. Lightening. Thunder. The sweet smell of rain. My car being 3 miles away and my phone battery going dead. I was fearful. Therefore, it made me have a little more pep in my step than any other day. 

This reminds me so often how we view the lives of others. Much like a picture. We create opinions. We find faults. We find "perfection". Our perspective, our own "truth" becomes theirs. 

Take a chance of getting to know those around you. You will either find your perspective is in fact true...if not..either way you are truly able to define the truth in a picture of their lives.  
So just because you can not make others around you like puppets, never underestimate what you can learn from watching them. 

When my college friend graduates I will be so incredibly proud of her. She has worked so hard. She has dedicated every ounce of her being to become the very best version of herself. If one day she decides shes ready to start a family and wants to stay at home I will still be her biggest cheerleader. If not I will be her biggest cheerleader watching her in her career because I love and care for her so much.

Be an encourager. Help build up others around you because chances are some knot head is shredding them to pieces. Make your pictures of your life be exactly what your living. Be true to yourself and always know if your perspective changes from everything youve done your entire life thus far you are living with much excitement and continued growth. The Lord created us for life. Life changes. Through the ages, through the seasons. Perspective changes. Let him use you in showing others how his way is not a cookie cutter for everyone to be the shape you want. And always remember sometimes sharing a negative one...tearing down, never building up....can leave you looking like a donkey.