It's the most busy time of the year

December brings many things: exams for Bryan, the end of sweeps for me, anticipation of great family gatherings...it's certainly a busy time.

Since I wrote last a sad event has happened here..our baby Precious died. She had cancer and after 14 years she passed away. It's difficult to express how much a part of our lives she had become over the years. Everyday she was here to talk to us and tell us what she thought we needed to do ...Bryan used to say she was judging us..made me laugh every time. I miss her every day. And today another traumatic event happened..both of our dogs ran away. I discovered them missing this morning when I got up. I stayed home from work..not feeling well..Bryan put the dogs out after letting them stay inside because of the cold..right around 8....when I checked on them about 30 minutes later..they were gone. I searched everywhere and they were gone. At first I thought maybe someone stole them but then I discovered where they had broken through a gate. Now they could be anywhere..just not here. I called Bryan hysterical and he rushes home to help me find them. I drove all over the neighborhood but no sight of Molly or Alex. When Bryan arrives we jump in the car together and try looking again...and that's when Bryan said the strangest thing..."I'm going to think like a dog..." and turns right on the highway...we didn't see them so he turns into a chuch parking lot to turn around and then we saw them...at the edge of the parking lot walking out of the trees...my babies...together. I jumped out and grabbed them ...crying..weeping tears of joy...my babies are okay and alive and together. We convinced them to get into the car and then we all headed home. Bryan repaired the gate and we put them back in the back yard where they slept away the afternoon. They're so beautiful ..my collie/muts. Strangely enough last night while they were whining about being locked in the warm bathroom as opposed to freezing outside...I was thinking about them. I really haven't been the best pet parent. I was talking to God...He was listening...and something in my heart said..they've been here everyday with me for 14 years and I've missed so much time with them...they're pretty self sufficient...if you ignore them they don't complain..they're just glad to see you the next time..that's awful to admit. And then today I remembered something I thought about last night..."they could be gone tomorrow"..and then they were. Just like that..gone. I don't believe in premonition..I believe in God...later today Bryan said we got lucky..I said no, we got God. And then I told him...if God cares enough about our two dogs then he certainly cares about us. Bryan pointed out to me several times today..I never miss work and on the day I stay home..all of this happens. It happened once before...back in Tuscaloosa I missed work one day and the exact same thing happened. Thankfully we found them then, too. Strange how God works..I can't explain it..some people would dismiss the whole thing to coincidence. But not me. I believe in God, I believe He cares and I believe His timing is perfect. Learning these things is not easy..I shed a lot of tears and my heart was broken in two today thinking I'd never see my favorite dogs. But God saved our little family and He will certainly save yours. This Christmas you couldn't buy me one thing I want...I have everything ...my family, my health, a home, a job, food, clothes and so much more...I am blessed beyond measure. I am also unworthy but God overlooks that and continues to bless me anyway. What do you need this Christmas? Do you have Jesus? That's really all we need. Blessings to you and yours this Christmas...Janie

Another year

My Darling B,
As I approach another year on this earth travelling along this mysterious journey to who knows where..I am most grateful for you.
There's no one else I would want to go with..you are the one person I need..
Your love, support and faith in me is ever present...proving real love exsists.
I can only hope to do the same for you, my love.
Remember this: "ever thine, ever mine, ever ours."
Loving you only and forever,
J

Oxford...the beauty

Today all eyes turn to the "Diamond of the South"...Oxford, Ms. If you haven't been there...you must go. There are so many beautiful places I've had the privelage of visiting..Honolulu, Kawai, National Glacier Park...but when you want elegance, charm, beauty and southern hospitality.. Oxford, Ms is the only place. You see, I lived there for a year and a half during my Junior/Senior Year of college and it marked a place in my heart like no other. And the reason can be found in two words: the grove. It's the heart and soul of the campus of The University of Mississippi. The tall trees, the lush grass, the smell of the flowers...walking through the center of that campus is like no other place..it's a small piece of paradise. But if you must leave the Grove..then there's the town square with it's charming restaurants where Sweet Tea runs like water and "Thank you and Yes Ma'am" are mingled in with "How are ya'll today?" After that...take a trip off the square to the neighborhoods where the streets are lined with beautiful old magnolias who have seen so many people come and go.... and while they've got their roots firmly planted in the rich Mississippi soil...they wait patiently for the faithful who always return "home".
One of my favorite memories is having my picture taken for the Delta Psi Sweetheart Photograph at Faulkner's home. It was magical...being there where he had lived and walked so many years ago. Knowing that in that exact place....such beauty had been created.
But..you know...to appreciate Oxford..you have to live there through all seasons...I recommend Fall in Oxford....because of its spectacular show of leaves that change into those colors like the crayons inside the box...burnt sienna....golden yelllow... OH..but it's only to be outdone by spring in Oxford...the azaleas that bloom and those tulips that reach up to the sun so straight and tall. Warning: Oxford may be in the deep South..but she still gets a icy winter. It took me 4 hours to drive a 2 hour trip because of the ice one January....but it's beauty was still there with the icy trees shiny so silvery and quietly whispering..."I'll be back...just wait a few weeks.."
Even though my listing of the seasons isn't in order it's because that's how my mind recalls them...Finally there's summer..oh who wouldn't love a glass of lemonade to sip while looking across the grove the Sorority houses....with the manicured lawns and all the beautiful old Historic buildings like the Lyceum....so rich with History....
But, today the eyes of the world are gazing upon this beautiful place because two men face each other in a debate to be the Leader of the greatest Nation in the world...and it's taking place in Oxford. To me, that's amazing. Yes, Oxford has seen it's share of troubled times during a different era...but times have changed and so have people. Today's events prove that...while Oxford has moved along with the times..she remains a treasured thing of beauty...that none can compare. If you don't believe me, take a drive ...but don't be in a hurry..because you may miss the reason you're there..it's quiet, lovely, lush scenes whispering "stay a while and when you leave...a part of me goes with you...love, Oxford."
Shine Oxford...You beautful Southern Lady...it's all about you today...I'm so proud for you.
J

Dreaming of a New Life

God sent me a special song this week in the middle of a sad day.
You know, when we set out to carve a new life we knew it wouldn't be easy..and it hasn't. Foolishly I believed some things would already have come to fruition...but they haven't. Foolishly I believed some people would see the talent others possess and help develop it ..but they haven't.
BUT...I still dream on because there's going to come a day when the dream becomes a reality. Have you reached yours yet?
I heard someone say "things that come easy are not appreciated"...I believe that to be so true. Because think about it...if you're handed something without working and sacrificing to get it ...then it's easily discarded and doesn't hold much value.
Why? Because when you've really earned something.. you've sweated, worked, scratched, run, worried, and held it deep inside your heart late in the night when one one else was looking or standing with you.
That's when you treasure this little dream that now completes who you are and makes you feel alive.
And someday friend, the dream will become a reality...so until then , join me and let's "Dream on."


"Dream On"

When Joseph was a little boy,
He was driven by his dreams....
God spoke to him,
Told him He had chosen him.
When others didn’t understand,
Joseph still believed
And trusted HimTrusted and was willing to

Dream on....
When the world just didn’t believe,
God had promised never to leave him alone.
Dream on...
Follow hope wherever it leads,
For in the seed of dreams
There’s promise of the dawn.
Dare to listen for the music,
Keep on following the star,
Morning can’t be far dream on...

Now there’s no valley deep enough
That He can’t lead you through.
He’ll walk with you
Walk the precious roads with you.
No mountain ever rose so high
That you can’t climb with Him,
And then stand up tall
Stand and look down on it all.

Dream on...
When the world just doesn’t believe,
God had promised never to leave you alone.
Dream on......
Follow hope wherever it leads,
For in the seed of dreams
There’s promise of the dawn.
Dare to listen for the music
Keep on following the star.
Morning can’t be far....
Dare to listen for the music
Keep on following the star,
Morning can’t be far
Dream on, Dream on!

Happy September!

Hello all! It's been a long time sine I've written. So many things are going on..trying to keep up with them all can be overwhelming. Well, to start with Bryan is back in School..he's officially a 3L! We're expecting to graduate from Law School by summer 2010...can't wait. He's doing really well..great grades and working full time as a Paralegal/Law Clerk. I don't know how he manages to do it all...God is carrying us through these challenging times. Families are doing well..that's a blessing. New friends coming in our lives makes being away from home a bit easier. Work is going well..just extremely busy. I've been given a franchise piece "Family First" which means I pkg a story about families that airs live on Monday evenings during the 6pm show. Really excited about doing it....love it! Hope to move full time on air very soon. Although I enjoy Producing, my heart is in Reporting and Anchoring. Our "kids" are doing well. Kitty is now diabetic which requires medicine and a special diet..she's not happy but she's adjusting...so are "Mommy and Daddy". We love our pets very much..they've been with us every step of the way since we began our "journey"...packing up and moving is difficult but they've adjusted...I must say they've handled everything much better than the two of us. Ha! I promise to write soon. Take care of yourselves out there in the web world..
God Bless,
Janie

I want to share with you a miracle: as you know Bryan and I are in the middle of new careers. Well, this hasn't been easy..in case you think we just up and decided to go back to school and work full time jobs at the same time for fun...you're mistaken! But this all came about after several things...the daikin explosion being number one..but when we finally did discover what it was we wanted to do..we had to do a lot of things to prepare. One was leaving our family and friends behind..that was the hardest. And even though they're miles and hours away..they're still very near in our hearts and this is evident in our miracle story. You see, we lived a very comfortable life in Tuscumbia..a nice home, big yard, nice cars, basically we bought whatever we wanted...but we weren't living our "calling"..we felt like we were missing out on "something" thus began the journey of self-discovery...this shows you God is in this because we did this at the exact same time. That's how He works...his timing is perfect ..anyway when we felt the call to go..we had to sell everything to finance this journey..there went the home we loved decorating...we loaded up the cars and headed out to Tuscaloosa. After four years there our "new cars" were not new anymore especially after we had driven many many miles to jobs and night school. SO....God sent us car miracle number one in the form of a gently used but loved Lumina...from Bryan's parents. Our family has been our main support through all of this..never questioning just quietly supporting us when needed with groceries, canned goods, extra $$ when we needed it but wouldn't ask...that's how God loves you in person..through Mom's and Dad's and other family members. So to bring you up to speed...after the NEXT move for this adventure...our "gently used" car started to slowly fall apart one piece at a time...it didn't help matters that I wrecked it three weeks before we moved...that was the catalyst to start the falling apart. Bryan has "lovingly" worked on the lumina each weekend and limped to work and school every day until it finally went to that big parking lot in the sky last week. That's when I had it: I was so worried...we were car pooling every day and I would pick him up after school late at night exhausted after work all day...sometimes falling asleep on the trip back home. SO: last Sunday I prayed- God please bless us with a car..I don't care what it looks like...where it comes from....it just needs to run and be safe..that's it. And guess what? He did! Two days later Bryan's parents told him...don't worry..we're going to help you and by the next Sunday we had a new car..and it's beautiful!..the best part is that is runs!!!! It's a beautiful smokey gray ford taurus..and did I mention it runs! And are you sitting down? Here's God's signature...the dealer's name where it originally came from? Miracle Ford! There you are..miracle number two. Our Pastor Jay Wolf recently said we should pray like Jabez and ask for God to bless us and in return we should bless others....he's right. God wants to bless us..we're His children and He wants us to depend on Him and to come to Him for our needs. So when we're faced with difficulties we should always go to Him first because He has everything already in place...we just need to ask.. When I asked for a car...I never dreamed it would come from Bryan's parents..I just expected God to provide us with another job or something but He chose to use people ...that's how He does things..And to someone out there and you know who you are..if you're reading this..No, I still don't have any lottery numbers....
We are forever grateful for the help from our family. Thank you ...you are helping us live our dreams.
Finally, we're not finished with the journey it's a long process and there are many curves in the road I can't see around but I know who the Driver is and He's in control...in case you're wondering..God is not my co-pilot...He's the driver!
God Bless,
Janie

I heard about this poem earlier in the week ...stopped me in my tracks. Then yesterday Cicely Tyson read it at the funeral for Civil Rights Legend Johnnie Carr. It sums up this journey Bryan and I are on...so...what are you doing with your dash? It's not easy..but think about it...

I read of a man who stood to speak
At the funeral of a friend.
He referred to the dates on her tombstone
From the beginning…to the end.
He noted that first came her date of birth
And spoke the following date with tears,
But he said what mattered most of all
Was the dash between those years.
For that dash represents all the time
That she spent alive on earth…And now only those who loved her
Know what that little line is worth.
For it matters not, how much we own;
The cars…the house…the cash,
What matters is how we live and love
And how we spend our dash.
So think about this long and hard…Are there things you’d like to change?
For you never know how much time is left,
That can still be rearranged.
If we could just slow down enough
To consider what’s true and real,
And always try to understand
The way other people feel.
And be less quick to anger,
And show appreciation more
And love the people in our lives
Like we’ve never loved before.
If we treat each other with respect,
And more often wear a smile…
Remembering that this special dash
Might only last a little while.
So, when your eulogy’s being read
With your life’s actions to rehash…
Would you be proud of the things they say
About how you spent your dash?

Hello all!
We survived...thank goodness. To those of you who may not know..our town was hit with a tornado last Sunday. We live approximately a mile from ground zero...I actually heard it come over our home..very scary. Fortunately nobody was killed but our town was hit really hard. I believe the last estimate was around 800 homes destroyed or damaged. We were spared..no damage. But when I drive through the hardest hit part each day I'm astonished at how we could have not been hit. It's just unvelievable...the devastation..the windows blown out...a sonic just torn to pieces..a car wash in rubble..a walmart that's closed because the insides are sucked out from the force of the tornado. God is the only reason nobody was killed because those places were busy with people and yet everyone is alive. Work has been crazy since Sunday...covering all the damaged areas from south and west al including our town. I'll write more when I have time and have had more rest.
To all our family and friends...we love you and miss you. Hope to see you all soon.
J and B

Hello everyone! It's been over a month since I've written you. Going home for the holidays..returning to work..it's been a busy time. We're both still very busy with work and school. Bryan has been sick but I think he's coming out of it..pneumonia is tough to handle..but he's been trying really hard to take good care of himself. I'll try not to wait so long to write..just really busy at work..Super Tuesday was awesome at work with all the excitement of the Primary. Now that it's behind me I'll try and write more...
Stay tuned...we'll be back after this message!
Janie