Well, we have teary eyed boys...even day 2! The cousins came...and left! They were here for a week and we did it all! We had water gun wars, we had fights in the park with hideouts and hand to hand combat - there were battle wounds and war stories around the dinner table each night! It was WONDERFUL! And, as you can tell by the picture, in the middle of it all, there was one little girl who led the pack (Ok...there are two in the picture - but one is old enough to hold her own with these guys - but, the little one is running the show!)! She may be 2 but she's TOUGH! She walks tall and carries a big stick with these boys, I'm tellin' ya!

We had a ball - so I thought I would share some photos! Check out facebook for more!

Wow - my boys woke up early and PUMPED!!! They are beside themselves today as we anxiously await the cousins arriving this evening! Yes...you heard me correctly...this EVENING! Which means we have ALL day to wait - oh, my! We will be cleaning the house, having lunch with a precious friend who has a birthday today and then do some last minute IMPORTANT shopping for legos...after all, you can never have too many legos when cousins are here.

But, I have to share...last night, on the way to church, I look back and both boys are going through their money. They have been earning money doing extra cleaning, reading QUALITY books (we pay big bucks for REAL books - for instance, our 11 year old just got done reading "Do Hard Things" - quality = cash)...anyway....they have some cash! They both have remembered, on their own, to bring their wallets and they are figuring their tithe - one looks distressed and says, my tithe is $4.50 but all I have is a $5.00....dilemma.

Ok...a teaching moment - how does mom handle this - pretend that I've never had a selfish, self consumed bone in my body and that tithing is something we do simply in our household? Pretent that I have never wanted to hold on to every cent I can get my hands on? No...I confess - I talked with them about how 10% is our starting point - it is our obedience....but anything above that, if given in a heart that is willing and worshipping - is a gift of love. We talked about the gifts (legos, toys, games) that we would be giving cousins - that we picked out so willingly...and how when we give above our tithe that is just one way we give a gift of love to Jesus - who gave us His ultimate gift. So...with this wonderful tidbit of wisdom thus imparted...and my confession of selfishness and struggle dutifully given - I sit back and expect them to respond like super spiritual giants and say "I'll give it all!" - only to find that they respond so much like their mama....we are just too human sometimes! The youngest says, "Mom...how do we get to where we don't care so much about money and stuff? I mean, I want to give and be happy about it - but I also want to buy stuff with the money! I really do love Him and want to give to Him...but I also care too much about the rest of it...how do I make it stop?" Ohhh...how I wish his mama knew the answer to that one!

Philippians is the study we are going through in Sunday School right now and, mama has been convicted once again, by the life of Paul! To live is Christ (my life is His anyway), to die is gain...wow - I have soooooo far to go! I have so much in my life that gets in the way of serving Christ - my to-do list, my "want" list, my laziness..."Father, how do I get to the place where I just don't care so much about all the money and stuff? I mean, I really want to serve You, live for You and give self-lessly....but I care too much for all the rest of it....how do I make it stop?" Glad HE has the patience with me to put up with my unfaithfulness...He loves me soooooo passionately and so sacrifically....and I fall so short. I cannot even love Him at all apart from His GRACE....what an amazing Father I have - one who is teaching me everyday - through my incredible husband, through my kids, through my church family and through HIS WORD - to care less and less for this world, and more and more for HIM....santification isn't easy and I wish it happened quickly - but I'm learning...no easy answers - just diligent surrender....

Rambling thoughts brought on by two pretty terrific boys!

Our boys are playing on two different football teams. Our youngest is in the oldest age group for his team....while our oldest child, while not the youngest on his team, he is one of the smallest. So, given that this is the first year playing for each of them, it was quite a blow to our oldest when his little brother made "A" team on his squad and the big brother was on "B" team for his team....

Ok...just to be honest - my heart hurts! I want to go out there and do it for them - I want to take the hits and have people talk trash to me - just to spare them! But, apparently that is one part of the game that they have to get used to and they have to be willing to endure if they are going to make it in the sport (thank you to daddy for reminding me of this important lesson!) While there has been some jealousy issues and some "trash talk" around our house about all of this - there has also been some really good teaching moments....like the other night when I was able to talk with our oldest about how I get jealous of others quite often - and how I have to confess that before God on a regular basis. How I have to see it as the pride issue it is in my heart before I can address the attitude and actions that result from it. We talked about some of the struggles with jealousy that I face on a regular basis and how the Word of God is able to teach us who we are in Christ and Who we are designed to please and glorify...not easy lessons at 11 or at "29" :)....

Oh well....all of that aside...we left for practice tonight with both boys wishing each other a great practice and encouraging each other to "knock someone's head off"...brotherly love - ain't it great!

Michele

Wow! We have hit the road running this school year! There is no time to breathe lately between schoolwork, Church activities and now football! The boys are so excited about football season - their first year playing tackle football....glad they are excited 'cause Momma doesn't quite know what to think about this one! It is one thing when you watch adult (ok, so grown) men out there hitting each other all in the name of a little brown ball...but to watch your 9 and 11 year old strap on more pads than you can count and try to cover and PROTECT every part of their bodies before they go out and hit each other on purpose - I am questioning the logic of this game! I have been told that you must be a guy to understand it enough to play it....I guess that's true. Like I said, I have loved the game when I am watching someone else play it, but now that they are my children out there - whoa, wait a minute! Let's talk about injury rates, concussions, broken bones...where else can I fit a pad in that uniform???

Na...I think Mom is outvoted on this one...we just don't talk about it that much - after all, they are boys and I have to "go with the flow" if I am not going to be left behind in the years to come! I better just "get a grip" and get into the fan gear! Here we go Redskins and Cowboys!!!

Well, it has been a busy summer and, despite my best intentions - I have gotten nothing done! I am busy - but not sure with what! I have been running, both literally and figuratively...we have been going to the children's ministry functions and, we have made a trip back to Florida for a visit....but where has the rest of the summer gone??? Who knows!

I was thinking about all of this tonight as I was visiting friends on facebook and I was looking at all the family pictures everyone has on their profiles...I absolutely love being a wife and a mom! I love spending time with my kids and having fun as a family. We went today with our Senior Adult group from Trinity to the Nissan factory in Canton, MS. We had spent the whole day together and had so much fun being with everyone...but tonight, as I was tucking our boys into bed, Caleb made a comment about what we were going to do tomorrow and then, in the flash of a moment realized that tomorrow is FRIDAY and that Daddy would be home "all day"!! He got so excited and starting dancing around in his bed! It was soooo cute - my boys LOVE their daddy and they LOVE spending time with him! He started immediately making all the plans for them for tomorrow - football, lunch - you name it, Chad's day is planned! Those two boys, as well as their daddy, make the most of being a family! They have a ball - whether they are wrestling, playing football or praying - they do it with zeal and intensity! Mom just has to leave the room - I DREAD tackle football this fall!

Anyway, I am thankful for my boys - for God allowing me to be their mama and for a husband who loves to spend time with them...and I look forward to the years to come - making the most of our time together!

Ok...we have been doing "testing" for the end of the school year this week...fun, NOT! While we approached this week with full knowledge of what we were getting into, I don't think any of us could have anticipated what happened and how draining this week would be for all of us! After all, do you remember? I remember sitting in class, knowing that the test was important and being nervous about not knowing something - thinking, I better read this question again (4 times) - what if I missed something? What if it was a trick question? If I don't get it right, it really might be the end of my life!

Ok...so maybe not quite that dramatic - but I did do the ultimate stress out over tests! Then, you have my hubby - who admits that if he could have skipped the test and still passed the class, he would have seriously considered it! Not a good mix when you consider our offspring! Our boys are so much like their parents! I will apologize to them when they are older and can understand it - and thankfully they would NOT understand it at this point!

During pre-testing last week, we practiced staying calm and just focusing on "what is the question asking you?"....bless his heart - you put a math problem in front of him that he is unsure of, and the nervous tics begin, tears flow and the stomach turns flips! Reason is out the window and all he sees is a life in the ghetto...

Our youngest, well - he is just really not that interested in testing - after all, he knows he can do the work, why don't you just believe him!? He tries to get everything done in record time and get to more important things - like legos... Unless of course, you tell him that I will be giving Daddy (his hero) a full report of how the testing goes - then it is ultra important that I understand why he is right with every answer!

So...we begin testing - be pray for strength, clarity of mind and no tears. The thought is to get our hardest subjects over with first - oldest/math and youngest/language arts & spelling....tears flowed... TEACHER left the room and MOM stepped in! I stopped them and reminded them that we do our very best for God EVERY DAY and that this test is just one more day! I reminded them that they knew what they were doing and that tests were just a chance to prove it! I spoke about deep breaths and calming down (lamaze classes came back to my mind!)...and then...
Well, we got through it....that's about it! I can't tell you that the clouds parted and sunshine came down in our house - that birds were singing and the boys were smiling....but we did it! They tested well (as I knew they would) and they stopped all the dramatics.

Funny, as soon as they thought the test was over and I just asked them some "follow up questions" for my curiosity, they were able to handle their hardest questions without even so much as a misty eye or hiccup! Amazing....

Do you remember getting this worked up over tests? I do....I hate it for them and I know I owe them an apology - but they got it from me! I still get worked up when I know I have to do....well, just about anything! I can make myself sick thinking about outreach, teaching Sunday School, homeschooling them, meeting new people....you name it! So, what do we learn through the years that separates the adult from the child?
1. Remembering that I do EVERYTHING as unto the Lord, for it is the Lord God I am serving EVERYDAY (Colossians 3:23 paraphrased)...
2. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength (Phil.4:13) - so He will equip me to do whatever He calls me to do....
3. We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God had ordained before time,that we should walk in them (Eph 2:10)....He has already set my course and has the tasks for me to do - I just have to follow through on His plan.

oh...so much more....but to sum up - realizing that EVERYTHING I do, EVERYDAY, must be bathed in His Word and that my life must be governed by His Word...If I do that, He will be satisfied and glorified - that is all that matters!

So, I wish I could say that I never panic or fear - but it would be lying. I wish I could say we were completely done with testing, but that would be lying also (don't tell the boys yet! Let them have a good weekend!)...but what I can tell you, that I know from experience and it is truth....that test really ISN'T "the end of my life as I know it!"

Ok...as I am sitting here checking facebook and internet surfing, I am listening to Andy Griffith - sharing a laugh with my boys. It is amazing what you can learn from Andy - maybe you've seen this one....definitely one to watch!

Aunt B and the ladies are in the drug store, standing around shopping and, of course - gossipping! They are runnin' down folks and makin' stuff up! Before you know it, they have started the rumor through town that Barney has shot himself in the chest and he's dead. Only on the Andy Griffith show can the line "according to you, the Lord only made two sexes, males and blabbermouths!" be stated and the NOW group not be waiting on the doorsteps! Well, I tell ya - it is a shame that there is so much truth in the humor....

Unfortunately ladies, we have done ourselves in - we have earned this title and reproach! Too many times we "share" with one another or "ask for prayer" for someone....when we really have no need to know all the "ins and outs" of the situation. Well, even Opie knew to stay away from that one! Let's take our notes from the kids! My boys thought this one was hilarious and could not believe Aunt B and the ladies acted that way - causing all that trouble....let's not let them find out that it still happens today!

As we sat in services tonight, Chad was preaching out of Psalm 107 and he discussed the grace that is shown to us as believers when God disciplines us - that it is truly the love and mercy of God that will not allow us to continue in sin, but loves us deeply enough to chastise us and call us back to holiness. As he was preaching, I remembered a VERY recent discussion I had with my boys - we were sitting in our oldest's room and I was discussing a rotten attitude with him. He had been "short" with everyone that day and was "biting people's heads off" with every word....I had tried to be patient with him as things have been so emotional for all us lately, but his attitude required "intervention". Now my oldest can, and usually will, see the error of his ways with a good discussion (following "intervention" when necessary). As we sat and discussed why his attitude was sin and what the wrong heart attitudes and thoughts were that were fueling it, calling sin for what it was, his heart broke and repentance was shown - true, heartfelt repentance that wanted to make things right. Then, the most incredible opportunity came about - right out of Psalm 107....he said how horrible he felt and that he just wanted to stay in his room - I explained to him that the "horrible feeling" that he felt and the conviction in his life at that time was actually a blessing from God....that this chastisement - not from Mama, but in his heart - was God's working in his life and that it is through the grace of God that we are reminded that we are His children. Chastisement, true chastisement of sin is a consistent reminder of our salvation and that He loves us enough to not allow us to get away with walking in sin. We were able to take the Word of God and show that even in our discipline and "bad feelings" about our sin, we can be thankful for the grace and mercy of God, for His forgiveness and for His love. Amazing grace!

Michele Everson, Proud wife of Pastor Chad Everson and
Proud Mama to two children who are growing in grace alongside their Mama and Daddy!

Ok....it is COLD here in Mississippi! And don't try to tell me it's cold in sunny Florida - where we just moved from - you know nothing of cold - you think that the the 40 degree weather you have been having is cold! I actually uttered the phrase "it's warming up" earlier today when we hit 37 degrees! AAARRRGGGHHH!

Well, thus my title...bears hibernate because when THEY get cold, they are big enough and strong enough that their ill tirades will kill their family members - not just annoy everyone and make people say "gee...what's wrong with her?" :)

Try to stay warm!

Michele Everson, Proud wife of frozen Pastor Chad Everson and
Proud Mama to two boys wishing for snow!

Sorry...I know this is not the best picture in the world...but so many of you have asked us to send pictures of the Church! We will take some better photos and send along the way!

Over the last month or so our family has really been on an emotional roller coaster ride. While we have been saddened by the moving away from Madison Street Baptist Church, we are excited about what God is going to do at Trinity Baptist Church in Southaven, Mississippi! We have left family and friends and we have cried as we have separated from one of the sweetest churches in the Country. As we were tucking the boys into bed the other night, our oldest made the comment that although this is hard, he knows that "God has something wonderful for us here and He has something for us to do at Trinity". It was an incredible opportunity for us to discuss "doing hard things" and that God expects us to stretch, challenge and step out in faith for Him! He doesn't expect us to do the easy, "feel good" stuff...He wants more from us than that! Our oldest talked about that God expects obedience from us and, if we are not approaching this "new adventure" with the right attitude and an expectation of God to take care of us, then He cannot bless us in our disobedience....we talked about that our attitude can be sin in our lives - we have to see these changes as opportunities to serve and we have to trust Him to take care of us, send us friends and to grow a love in our hearts for Trinity. What an incredible experience to watch our 10 year old show such spiritual growth!

God is going to do wonderful things at Trinity and they have already been so sweet to our family! We have been so blessed as a family - from MSBC, we thank you for such wonderful fellowship and friendship, support and love! For Trinity, we thank you for the warm welcome, the signs in the yards and the open arms you have extended to our family! We look forward to serving God here alongside you!

Michele Everson, Proud wife of Pastor Chad Everson and
Proud Mama to two wonderful boys learning to, like David, Do Hard Things!

Well, the Everson crew is moving to Southaven, MS and will begin our ministry at Trinity Baptist Church on 1/11/09. While we have struggled with this move like never before, we are excited about Trinity. This move has been hard given that we are living here with family and Madison Street Baptist Church is among the sweetest churches in the country! This has truly been a fantastic church to serve and we deeply love these people! However, we realize that God is sovereign and He knows what we need more than we do! We are moving forward sure that it is His will for us to do so and that in His providence He has seen fit for us to match with Trinity the way that we have! We look forward to the wonderful possibilities that lie ahead and we look forward to getting to know this church and grow to love them as family! Pray for us on this journey, pray for MSBC as they decide about leadership in the days ahead and pray for Trinity as they get the "redneck everson crew" moving in!

Michele Everson, Proud Wife of Pastor Chad Everson and

Proud Mama to two wonderful boys!

Every year on New Year's and 4th of July we have a "Fireworks Extravaganza" with the Everson cousins! We watch as the daddies plan the show, prepare each of the sparklers, etc. and build the excitement for the kids! We line up chairs across the drive way and get ready for the show of a lifetime! Well, this year - the daddies outdid themselves! Fantastic show! But the Moms were having a little bit of trouble with it - we will definitely have to figure out how to make at least two trips a year to Florida for visits!

Michele Everson, Proud wife of Pyromaniac Pastor Chad Everson and
Proud Mama to two budding pyromaniac children!

We had pictures yesterday of the kids with Jennifer Adams...a WONDERFUL photographer in Starke, Florida. She did a phenomenal job of wrestling 5 children into smiles and poses, even when the youngest had missed her nap! Great experience with Jennifer and if anyone is looking for a photographer, she is incredible! I saw her photos when a friend of mine brought hers to church for us to see - beautiful pictures!

NOW - DON'T judge Jennifer by the ones attached here...these are MINE. I took these while she was snapping others! So, needless to say, these are not great - but they are fun snapshots until ours are ready - then I will post the real ones!

Enjoy!
Michele Everson
Proud wife of Pastor Chad Everson
and Proud Mama of two handsome boys!

Just a special thanks to Cliff and Melissa and girls for taking our family fishing on Friday! It was a wonderful break from packing and alot of fun! I had never been on an airboat and catching redfish was a blast (ok...watching others catch redfish as I lost all of mine was a lot of fun too!)

Thanks for doing this for us - we will miss you terribly!

Michele Everson,
Proud wife of Bro. Chad Everson and
Proud Mama to two fishin' expert little boys!

Pictures will follow!

Oh my goodness! We are overrun with boxes in our house! Sherman and Mike at Winn Dixie have been so wonderful to provide us with boxes everyday this week and we are swimming in boxes that I have yet to fill (not even 1!) Don't laugh - it is not passive agressive behavior - I have been wrapping things up at work and Chad has been packing things up in his office and, all the boys want to know is "can we keep these boxes to play with when we get there?" Wow - packing, packing and more packing! Isn't Christmas coming up?...yep - that will be my excuse for not packing next week either!

And, by the way, Mike and Sherman - just because he is sick of seeing boxes - don't slow up - we always need more! Thanks!

Michele Everson
Proud wife of a packing Pastor Chad Everson and
Proud mama of two pre-occupied little boys!

Have you seen this video? A friend of mine at church sent this to me and it is too cute!