When I started teaching in 1989 and didn’t a life per say (no other responsibilities except to myself), I would bring “tons” of work home. I would grade papers, make lesson plans, and grade projects. There was even a time that I would go to work for a couple of hours on Saturdays and Sundays! I think I needed “professional help”. LOL There were also times when I brought home “mental baggage” as well. Students with problems, administrators yelling at me and making threats to me,  and parents wanting me “fired” because their children lied to them about how I was using school rules to make my class into a “fascist dictatorship”! It is all so ridiculous now.

I must admit that by the time Ammon and Carter were born, I had very few summative tests (chapter/unit type tests) that had essay questions, and students would grade multiple choice tests. I did, however, have formative evaluations (written paragraphs, art projects, quizzes, etc.) that had to  be graded by Haven alone, so there were quite a few times I brought papers home to grade.

However, when I work with Sean now at his practice, I get to leave work at work. The mail is opened, the bills are paid, the insurance billings are posted, and there they all sit and stay until the next day. I leave it all where it lies, and I come home to play with my children, make dinner, and see to my house and yard. I love it!

I hope and pray all you working people get to leave work at work as well. If not, start investigating how you can!

Psalm 37:1-6

¹ Do not fret because of those who are evil    or be envious of those who do wrong; ²for like the grass they will soon wither,    like green plants they will soon die away.

³ Trust in the LORD and do good;    dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. ⁴Take delight in the LORD,    and he will give you the desires of your heart.

⁵ Commit your way to the LORD;    trust in him and he will do this: ⁶ He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn,    your vindication like the noonday sun.

Hey, Folks…the thought I want to share today is in verse 4: “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”

There is reciprocity there, everyone. If we take delight in him, he will take delight in us.

Turtle friend, Ammon & Carter: Grand Cayman January 16, 2012

The Caylor-Browns just returned from a cruise to the Panama Canal. It included stops like Aruba, Cartagena, Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica, and the Grand Cayman Islands. From talking with Carter and Ammon, it seems that their favorite part of the trip was their trip to the Turtle Farm on the Grand Cayman Islands. They talk about it just about every day.

So, parents/grandparents, if you all find yourselves wanting to take children on a cruise, a trip to the Grand Cayman Islands with a stop to the Turtle Farm is a recommendation from Ammon and Carter.

We had our first “ I need to go to the potty.” request from one our children last week. I know it will be the first of a “million” requests, but to parents who are suffering through potty training, it was a momentous occasion.

On Friday as we were leaving Mamaw’s house and headed to Chattanooga, Carter requested to go to the potty. We were on Highway 41 headed to Ringgold, GA, and I said, “I think the Town Hall has a rest room. We will try there. Can you hold it?” I looked in the rear-view mirror, and he shook his head yes.

In less than 5 minutes we were in the rest room at the Town Hall, and Carter did both a tee-tee, and a poo-poo! I was so thankful, and Carter and I both said a prayer with “Thank you Jesus!”

Folks, I know we are not “diaper-free” yet, and please keep us in your prayers during these potty training-trying times.

Have a Momentous Monday out there!

I am so thankful that God through the Spirit is using Tim Tebow the way He is. It would be cool if I could be getting the thousands of “likes” on Facebook and people reading scriptures because of what I place on the Internet, but I DO NOT CARE! Christ is being preached and shared, and that is the important thing. Gooooo, Tim Tebow!

I hope an pray everyone has a Super Sunday!

Proverbs 31:10 “Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.” (King James)

God has blessed me with two friends who are such blessings. I have recently had a paradigm shift in the way my career and my household work together. The messages I was receiving through thought and prayer from God and the Holy Spirit (no, no Pentecostal stuff where the Spirit takes over my body or God speaks directly to me) were quite clear on what I needed to do, but I needed to talk with some people to make sure I was on the “correct path” in my thinking.

I didn’t tell everyone what was going on, but out of about 6 people that I thought would communicate with me and give me sound advice (not agree with me, pity me, nor be a “yes” person) two people helped me. I think if I would have been “distraught and wailing” that maybe all six would have helped, but maybe not. I have learned exactly whom I can trust and confide in. I needed God to show me this, and I am amazed at His guidance. One person whom I thought would give me at least 5 minutes hasn’t helped at all, and one person finally called me after I asked several times. It’s okay, they’re still friends, and I hope and pray that God blesses them continuously.

Now, Jeannie Smith and Claire Lane, the love and respect I have for you two has grown and blossomed in my heart. Thank you, thank you, thank you for your love, soothing words and advice. You both have such busy schedules, but you took time for me on several occasions, and I am, indeed, so grateful. You two are “RUBIES” in the jewels of friendship. I love and appreciate you both.

God bless you both and your families.

Christmas 2010

Here is our house on Christmas Day 2010. I hope and pray all of you have a blessed Christmas 2011 this year no matter where you are.

Please always keep Christ in Christmas. With lots of Love, Haven

The Nativity: Our Yard 2010