Happy Thanksgiving

I am so very thankful for the blessings that that have been given to me and our family! From the Autons to you...

Happy Thanksgiving!

"Let us come before him with thanksgivng and extol him with music and song." ~Psalm 95:2

Take the Challenge!

In a few days, we will be stuffing ourselves with turkey, dressing, and pecan pie. Every year I tell myself..."Next year I am going to make a list of the things that I am thankful for." Every year I wonder why I didn't make a list of things to thank God for blessing me with. Perhaps it is because I am afraid that I will leave something out. Or maybe, I don't create a list because I am embarassed of the things that I am thankful for (dark chocolate would definitely be on the list). Most likely, I resist making a list of things that I am thankful for because it would take away many of my reasons to do one of the most natural human things... complain!

Do you ever find yourself complaining about the economy, gas prices, the OTHER political party, grocery prices... the list can go on and on until it gets personal. Oh, yes, we seem to complain about our spouses, the kids, being too busy, being bored, and my favorite choice of complaint, being tired! The list goes on and on. And yet, I am more blessed than I ever deserve. It is only by the undeserving mercy of Christ that I have the things that I do and that I have the opportunity to enjoy the simplest things in life, including dark chocolate.

God's Word tells us this:

"But thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were committed, and having been greed from sin, you became slaves of righteousness." ~Romans 6:17-18

"Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms. For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods." ~Psalm 95:2-3

"It is good to give thanks to the Lord, and to sing praises to Thy name, O most High..."
~Psalm 92:1

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let you requests be made known to God." ~Philippians 4:6

"I shall wash my hands in innocence, and I will go about Thine altar, O Lord, that I may proclaim with the voice of thanksgiving, and declare all Thy wonders." ~Psalm 26:6-7

It is clear that we should be giving thanks and not complaining. So here is the challenge to myself and to you: between now and Thanksgiving, make a list of at least 100 things that you are thankful for. Simple, yes. I imagine that if we all attempt it, we will find that we will quickly surpass 100 and be well on our way to several hundreds of things that we can be thankful for. Don't get to worried about whether something is "important" enough to be included. Number 1 on my list is salvation, next will be my husband, children, and family. I will name each one. But, I am sure, the simple pleasure of dark chocolate will also be on my list, as well as, birds singing, sunrises, and cell phones. Do you see where this may lead? We may have so many things to be thankful for that we forget how to complain... or at least make it not the first reaction in our life! My hope is that I will be so busy giving thanks to God, that I will notice fewer things for my complaining.

So, get your lists started! I would love to see what is on your list. You may add your list to the comments section on the blog, email them to me, or post them on facebook. Look out for my list...I have already started it! I hope the bug of giving thanks spreads!

Take the challenge! Give thanks!



Mylist begins:
1. Salvation from my sin

2. Jamie- my sweet husband... oh, how I love this man! I am so thankful that God designed us for each other before time began!

3. Jake and Nati Grace and the understanding of how much my mother loves me!

4. Mother and Daddy

5. Jamie's Mom and Dad

6. Marty- the greatest brother

7. Deena- for putting up with the greatest brother

8. Chad and Emily

9. Nephew and Nieces- Lee, Ashlyn, Lindsey, Olivia, Payden

10.Friends- God has been gracious enough to me to grant me close girlfriends, usually when I wasn't even looking for them. No matter my stage in life, whether it be childhood, highschool, college, seminary days, or simply in life, God has made sure that I go very little time without a close friend that I can laugh, smile, tease, and cry with. I don't have to name names... you know who you are.

11. knowing and spending time with all 4 of my grandparents- I recognize that not everyone has the opportunity to have cherished memories of even 1 grandparent much less all 4!

12. Chuck and Ann Stewart

13. King Spring Baptist Church

14. God's Word

15. Friends- lots of them... I am undeserving and yet you choose to laugh with me and I am thankful that I get to laugh with you! So many memories....

16. apples

17. fuzzy house slippers

18. Jake's jokes

19. laughing

20. boat rides

21. Marietta Baptist Camp

22. Nurse Susan

23. manicures

24. pedicures

25. dark chocolate---hmmm... I think I need a piece. I think dark chocolate is proof that I have far beyond my needs... I just thankful that God chooses to give me some of my desires as well! :)

26. singing birds

27. AWANA

28. Worship Band at KSBC

29. Bible Study-- that I have a Bible, the tools to learn from it, and that God gives me the desire despite my human nature.

30. roses

31. cameras

32. memories

33. photographs

34. mashed potatoes

35. milkshakes

36. macaroni and cheese

37. clean water to drink and bathe

38. antibiotics

39. Nati Grace's pictures of people

40. Jake's imagination

41. books

42. education

43. Georgia Baptist Ministers' Wives

44. handwritten letters in the mail!!!!

45. Christmas cards

46. puppies

47. bunnies

48. email

49. Autumn leaves

50. cars

------- I am halfway there and I have just begun of things that I can be thankful for. Some may sound silly to you, but I am willing to thank God for the little things. I know that He is interested in the details of my life... I need to be willing to thank Him for the details! How is your list looking?

51. being able to watch Jamie watch sports- he loves it sooo much!

52. that my husband is my pastor-- he is such an amazing preacher and leader

53. seeing my daughter dress up like a princess

54. Jake's Little League Baseball Games

55. walking on the beach

56. babies

God's:
57. righteousness

58. grace

59. mercy

60. lovingkindness

61. compassion

62. truth

63. faithfulness

64. discipline

65. instruction

66. omnipresence

67. omniscience

68. omnipotence

69. I am so very thankful that the character of God does not change. Even as I sit and reflect on His character, it would be of no worth if he was a God that changeable!

70. cozy pajamas

71. campfires

72. dates

73. birthdays

74. pictures that my children draw for me

75. funny movies

76. playing games with friends

77. my house

78. Nati Grace liking dresses... and hairbows!

79. marriage

80. rest and sleep

81. buttermilk pie

82. being an American

83. American soldiers

84. Dogwoods in bloom

85. sweet tea

86. North Greenville University

87. Contemporary Christian Music

88. Southern Baptist Convention

89. water tubing

90. air conditioning/ heat

91. indoor plumbing!!!

92. candles

93. that God allows me to sing for Him

94. reading to my kids

95. hearing Jake and Nati Grace say their prayers every night!

96. time spent with my husband

97. blue jeans

98. tears of joy

99. nose kisses

100. the promise that God has a plan for me and that He has promised me an abundant life!

Now...

Last week we got a special visit from the Stewarts! For those of you who do not know the Stewarts, let me introduce you to them. Chuck and Ann Stewart are two very precious people to the Auton family! They attend Hinesville Baptist Church where Jamie served as Associate Pastor for 2 years.

My children think that the Stewarts are just another set of grandparents and the Stewarts think of Jake and Nati Grace as their own as well! Not only are they precious to Jake and Nati Grace, but they are also very special to Jamie and myself!

Saturday morning, while breakfast was cooking, Ann was getting ready for the day. After showering, a little make-up, and some hair "fixing," Jake took a good look at Ann and declared, "Mrs. Stewart, now you look like you."

I have to admit, I have seen Ann with morning hair and no makeup, and she is still a beautiful lady! But I did begin to think about the implication of what Jake had to say. I know what I look like without makeup... kinda like my life without Christ! UGH!

Before Christ, I and every other believer, has the appearance of the world. We think like the world, do business like the world, treat others as the world would treat them and quite frankly our lives are all about one thing: ourselves! However, according to Romans 12, we see that the apostle Paul is reminding the Romans to renew their mind so that they may know the will of God. Hmmm... renewing my mind. How will that change the things I do, the ways I think, the way that I view the will of God? Perhaps, we need to be reminded that once were are believers we have the righteousness of Christ placed on us and that unlike makeup, it never comes off, never smudges, and never fades! I, you, we need to begin living with a renewed mind!

"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. For though the grace given to me I say to every man among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgement, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith." ~Romans 12:2-3

Singing Loud and Proud!

Loud, proud, and smiling, Jake sang his best during the 1st grade PTA performance at Cheatham Hill Elementary last Thursday! The songs were amazing, the outfits were cute, and the kids were just adorable. While Jake was singing my heart was singing to the Lord in thanksgiving for my little man! My favorite song was warning turkeys that Thanksgiving is coming... enjoy!

"The Lord is my strength and my shield;

My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped;

Therefore my heart exults,

And with my song I shall thank Him."

~Psalm 28:7

Gigi and a Brave

Halloween in the Willowbrook Subdivision is unlike any other I have ever seen. Instead of everyone trick-or-treating on their own, our neighborhood goes all together. After getting together at a neighbor's house a few snacks and treats, all the kids pile into the back of a pickup truck and go house to house to trick-or-treat. The comedy of the whole routine is that the kids spend more time getting in and out of the truck than walking to the houses! The parents tag along behind...mostly, to help the kids get in and out of the truck! It is simply hilarious!

After the trick-or-treating was over, we returned home to eat dinner with the Weavers. Oh, the fun that we had with costumes! Nati Grace just had to be Gigi, God's Little Princess, complete with a giant black wig, wand, and crown! Jake, decided to be a Brave. No, not a Indian Brave, a Baseball Brave! Much to Jamie's dismay... Jake is becoming a Braves fan!

I can only hope and pray that Nati Grace will fully understand what it means to be God's own and that Jake will not only be a Brave but brave for the Lord Jesus Christ!

"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction

of things not seen." ~Hebrews 11:1

Gigi and the Brave

Jamie the Princess and Kati and the Black Wig!!!

Amy the Gangsta and Justin, aka Zoolander

The Cutecrow... and not Scary at all!

Nati Grace had Scarecrow Day at preschool on October 3oth. I was able to join her class on a "Scarecrow Rotation" through the classrooms. We went made paper pumpkins, fished for ping pong balls, played bingo, pinned the stem on the pumpkin, and most importantly had LOTS of fun! Halfway through, as I watched my baby girl, I realized she wasn't a Scarecrow... she was a Cutecrow! Why, she couldn't scare anybody... not even her good friend Will!

Jesus said, "...'Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last,

and the living One...' " ~Revelation 1:17b-18a

Auton Autumn

Our family had a lot of fun trampling through the leaves, climbing the mountain, and taking some sweet photos of the kids... and a couple of Mommy and Daddy, too. I am ever grateful for my sweet family!

"Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen." ~Ephesians 3:20-21

The pictures were taken at Kennesaw Mountain Battlefield National Park in Marietta, Georgia.

BubbleShare: Share photos - Find great Clip Art Images.

School Days

School pictures are always exciting to get back! As I opened both envelopes of pictures, hoping they were good, I found myself going back to my own school days. Wasn't it just yesterday that I was smiling for my first grade pictures? It couldn't have been more than a week ago that I was brushing my hair with the little black combs that they gave out as I stood in line to get my picture made.

No matter how silly the pictures looked, my parents always commented something like this, "What a cute picture! You have grown so much since last year!"

Well, I opened the envelope of both Jake and Nati Grace's school pictures and found myself saying, "What a cute picture! You have grown so much since last year!" Wow! I sound just like my mother and probably most mothers alive. Oh, how quickly a year goes by.

It is a reminder that time waits for no man. My prayer is that I do not wish away days, waste moments for memories to be made, and that I cherish my days with my husband and children. For tomorrow, I will wake up and find that 20 years has passed. God has given me today, this week, this month and this year to love my family, encourage others, and make a difference for Christ.

I hope my children look back on their school pictures and say, "God did a lot in my life that year!"

"Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth..." Ecclesiastes 12:1a

Jake, First Grade

Nati Grace, Preschool (4 year)

Tough Guy

Compassion, eagerness to help, and being an amazing encourager are three of the qualities that Jake has been given by the Lord. I am convinced that Jake truly cares for the feelings of others and that God is going to use that in many ways in his life. I was reminded of his eagerness to help just recently.

Mike Metzger, the associate pastor at our church, needed help one Sunday after church. Jake looked like a likely candidate and Mr. Mike asked if he would like to help. Jake jumped at the opportunity to be a helper. They loaded groceries that had been brought to help a family in need into the back of Mr. Mike's car. Mr. Mike complimented Jake later of how helpful he was and shared with Jamie and I of a comment that Jake made in the middle of the process of loading the car, "You know, Mr. Mike, this is what tough guys were made to do! We're tough aren't we?"

I have to admit, I laughed and giggled in the moment, but later realized that my sweet Jake had taught me a lesson. I need to be doing what I was made to do. Jake was made with the gift of compassion, a helpful heart, and an encouraging spirit. He does them...well (most of the time)! My concern is this: do I, do you, know what we were made to do? Am I using the gifts that the Lord has given me to fulfill His calling: to tell other's that Christ is the salvation to a sinful world for His great glory?

My prayer is that I will seek daily to do what I have been called to do and that I will never stopped being challenged... even by my children.

"For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly; if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching; or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence, he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, perservering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality."

~Romans 12:4-13

He's Not Hungry!

"Would you like to feed the goats?" The nice lady at the North Georgia State Fair waited for Nati Grace's answer to her question and Jamie and I both were sure the answer would be no. But, we did not impose and let her answer for herself. We thought this would be a cute photo moment to remember her first field trip in preschool.

Beyond our belief, she accepted the goat food and walked right up to the cutest little black goat. Nati Grace stretched out her little hand as the goat stuck its head as far out of the fence as it possibly could and then came a goat tongue reaching as close to the hand holding food. That poor little goat struggled for about 3 minutes to lick the food out of Nati Grace's hand. If Nati Grace would have just stretched her arm out about one more inch, that cute goat could've had a yummy snack.

Instead, Nati Grace looked at us and declared, "I don't know why he isn't eating the food. I think he's just not hungry."

Poor Goat! I have to say though, Jamie and I were proud of Nati Grace's "effort" anyway.

"All the nations will be gathered before Him; and He will separate them from one another,as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats..." ~Matthew 25:32

I Think We Should Name Them!

"Mommy, the deer are back in the front yard!" Nati Grace's yell could be heard around the house a couple of weeks ago. Of course, we all made our way to the front window to see not only the Mama Deer, but also the two little ones.

Nati Grace had made a decision, "Mommy, I think we should name the deer. Especially the big one!"

Jake, without hesitation, simply said, "I think we should name it Hamburger." Wow! Can you tell he REALLY wants Papa to get some deer this year? Or, maybe, he was just so hungry, a hamburger was all he could think about!

After a couple of moments, Nati Grace interjected, "Then, we need to name the little ones Spaghetti and Cheeseburger Pie."

Good luck with Hunting Season, Papa!

"But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil." ~Hebrews 5:14

Snuggly Comfort

As a child I can remember snuggling down deep in my covers at night, covering even my head with the cream colored comforter patterned with small pink tulips. My flannel sheets would surround me with warmth and I would feel completely safe from the world... and my brother's smelly socks across the hall.

It seems that not much has changed from one generation to the next. I snuck in Jake's room the other night to find him snuggled in his blanket with a pillow over his head, protecting him from the world... and the air conditioner.

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort; who comforts us in all our affliction so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."

~2 Corinthians 1:3-4

You MUST Be Kidding Me!

I had dealt with some pain all week. Jamie had become quite accustomed to me complaining that my mouth hurt. Apparently, I assumed, I burnt my mouth on some really hot food. Problem was... I didn't remember burning my mouth.

After a week of frustration, I decided I better take a trip to see the doctor. My mouth was just getting worse! You have to be kidding me... SHINGLES! Seriously? In my mouth? Well, yes, according to the doctor it is common to have Shingles appear where Chicken Pox seemed to be the worst. For me... that was in my mouth, ears, nose, etc. Woo Hoo! I now am recovering from Shingles in the respective areas!

Shingles did do one thing for me. It put me to bed. Not that I had the time, but my body made the time.

Why is it that we wait until we get sick to take time out and recharge? Do we do the same thing with our Heavenly Father? I will give a rhetorical, "YES," for all who are reading. Of course we do! We don't mean to put off recharging our spiritual wellness, it just seems to happen. Between packing lunches, carpool lines, room mom duties, planning dinner, homework time, church duties, bedtime routines, cleaning the kitchen, and laundry (which Jamie helps with A LOT), when do I take time not just to read about God and check my daily quiet time off the list, but actually commune with my Heavenly Father?

In Matthew 14, we are shown the perfect example of how we should take time to be alone with the Father. Jesus had just spent the day with multitudes of people. He had "felt compassion for them, and healed their sick" (Matthew 14:14) and fed five thousand with only five loaves and two fish with plenty to spare. And yet, he found his way to the top of a mountain, by Himself, to pray. Jesus Christ, the great and mighty Messiah who had come to save the world, found time to be alone with His Father and pray.

I notice a few things that I need to do to strive to be more like Jesus. I need to not wait for a problem to occur in life... I just need to be alone with the Father. I need to not wait for life to slow down... I just need to be alone with the Father. When life is wonderful, difficult, crazy, busy, amazing... I just need to be alone with the Father.

I am looking forward to my time with the Father this week. My prayer is that I am not checking a duty off of my list, but communing with my Jesus... my precious Jesus!

"And after He had sent the multitudes away, He went up to the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone." ~Matthew 14:23

One Game Down...

Anyone who knows my husband, Jamie, is quite aware of his love for statistics, spread sheets, and details! Well, after the formulas were created and the first data was entered into the spread sheet, Jake's stats are as follows:

Batting Average: .500
RBIs: 2

"Sing to Him a new song; Play skillfully with a shout of joy." ~Psalm 33:3

The Welcoming Crew!

One of our favorite little restaurants to eat at is Moe’s. For those of you who have not heard of it before it is like Subway style Tex-mex. We love to eat there and the kids especially like because when anyone walks in the door, the employees all yell as loud as possible, “Welcome to Moe’s!”
In celebration of Jake’s win on Saturday, we took a visit to Moe’s. By the time we left, Jake and Nati Grace were joining in on the fun with, “Welcome to Moe’s,” each time a new customer walked in the doors.

Sunday after church we found ourselves once again headed to eat somewhere. Jake quickly asked, “Can we go to Moe’s?”

After explaining that we were going to eat elsewhere, Jake got a very profound look on his face and asked, “Hey, Mommy, do you know how when you eat at Moe’s they always scream, ‘Welcome to Moe’s?’”

“Yes…,” I replied.

“Well, I think that when people walk in the door at church we should scream, ‘Welcome to Jesus!’”

Wow! Am I that eager to welcome people into our church? Am I desperate for people to know the Savior? Am I willing to step out of my comfort zone so one who needs to know Christ may hear about His saving power from me? Are you?

Do I jump for joy with grand excitement when one who is lost is saved by the amazing grace of Christ Jesus? Do you?

"In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the

angels of God over one sinner who repents." ~Luke 15:10

Eat Mor Chikin...Eat Chick-Fil-A

Manna was given by the Lord to the Israelites when no food was available. Exodus tells us that "it was like coriander seed, white; and its taste was like wafers with honey."

Although manna was given by God when no food was available, we felt a little manna blessing on Labor Day when our meal was provided. We didn't have to earn it, as a matter of fact, we just showed up to Chick-Fil-A in our football outfits (Tar Heels, of course) and we all got free chicken strips! Too good to be true for a family with a love for football, Tar Heels, and Chick-Fil-A!

Our kiddos went all out on the dressing up for football!

"And He rained down manna upon them to eat, And gave them food from heaven." ~Psalm 78:24

Auton B & B

A big breakfast is not promised at this B&B. The comfort of the guest bed may be questionable. Scheduled activities and afternoon snack may include homework and gummies. However, one thing that can be assured that will take place in this B&B are Baseball & Ballet!

Jamie and I realized tonight that we have entered the realm of parenting that includes school and after school activities! Life is officially NOT slowing down! Jake is feeling the heat of Fall Baseball! Practice tonight revealed two things: he still loves baseball and his team has received word that they are the Braves!

Nati Grace never thought twice about jumping right in at her first ballet class! When her class was finished, she ran out the door, gave me a kiss and declared, "Mommy I know everything about ballet!"

"You do?" I asked.

"Mommy, yes! Everything they taught me, now I know it!" She'll be dancing with the Atlanta Ballet by October!

Jamie also had a first tonight. He put on an Atlanta Braves hat for the first time! Oh, the sacrifices that you will make for your children. He he he!

"Behold, children are a gift of the Lord; The fruit of the womb is a reward." ~Psalm 127:3

Just Hanging Out...

Both of my sweet children have a stuffed puppy. They both came up with very creative names for their puppies... Puppy! Yes, the name of both is just Puppy (although Nati Grace has nicknamed hers Puppa for short).

It seems that about once every other week or so, the smell of Puppy and Puppy becomes simply overwhelming. So, in a pillowcase on the gentle cycle they get a stuffed canine washing. Both Puppy and Puppy seem to hold up pretty well through the process. It is the drying that becomes tricky for them. I have a fear that the dryer might get a little too hot for their sensitive skin, so I just hang them out to dry.

All of a sudden, it hit me! I am just hanging them out to dry! We have all felt that we have been hung out by someone before. There I stood in my little washing room feeling sorry for Puppy and Puppy hoping that the hanger was not hurting their ears and feeling somewhat guilty that I was leaving in a predicament that, on their own, they could not get out of even if they wanted to.

How often have I felt I have been hung out to dry by loved ones, friends, acquaintances, ... God? Oh, it sounds so bad that I would say that I may feel that I have been abandoned by God, right? Is that what Job felt, abandoned, when everything but his life was ripped away? Is that what Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were convinced had happened when they faced the fiery furnance? Did Daniel feel abandoned when he realized the lions were real... and hungry? Is that what my Christ felt when His Father turned His face away because of my sin, your sin?

I don't know which disturbs me more: feeling sadness for two inanimate stuffed dogs or the fact that I found myself talking to them and telling them not to worry, "Jake and Nati Grace still love you." But what did not disturb me was the gentle reminder from my Lord that I have not been left alone or hung out to dry. I have, instead, had His gracious arms wrapped around me and even when humans may "do me wrong," or I may in turn "hang someone out to dry," forgiveness from my Savior is quick and sufficient to bring me off of the hangers and back into His loving arms.

On a side note: Puppy and Puppy are always glad that they return to the loving arms of Jake and Nati Grace!

"And He has said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.' Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong." ~2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Warning of a Gigglestorm!

The Auton House woke up to Storm Warnings! Apparently, Tropical Storm Fay finally made her way to the Atlanta area. However, there was so much excitement in our house you would never have known a storm was brewing outside!

While the news was issuing Tornado Warnings and Flash Flood Watches, a severe storm was kicking up inside Nati Grace... that is, a storm full of giggles, smiles, and laughter! Nati Grace's enthusiasm was simply uncontainable!!! She could hardly wait to get in the car to see if the goats were in the field. (This is a tradition carried over from taking Jake to preschool.) Then, as we pulled up in the parking lot of McEachern Preschool, Jamie and I literally heard squeals from the backseat!

Nati Grace jumped out of the car and bounded up the steps to her classroom. After a quick hug for Mommy, she barely turned around long enough for me to snap a picture of her waving bye! I held it together until I got back in the car... then another storm of sorts erupted from my heart. My heart broke from an amazing sense of pride of a sweet little girl and also out of great pain that she is no longer just mine... I have to share her!

Warning: Another Gigglestorm is predicted for when I pick her up!

"Then our mouth was filled with laughter

And our tongue with joyful shouting;

Then they said among the nations,

'The Lord has done great things for them."

The Lord has done great things for us;

We are glad." ~Psalms126:2

Carolina Conversions

I have always believed there was hope for all people. Yes, even Alabama fans! Our wonderful friends, the Jenks have seen the light!!! The Carolina Blue Light! It must have been an amazing sight at first glance. As a matter of fact, I think I heard them say that it was like having all the Crimson stains washed away. However, according to Wayne... the Crimson Tide can never be replaced!

For now, the Autons are enjoying the fact that Braxton and Brennan have joined with us in saying... "GO TAR HEELS!"

"But since we are of the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation." ~1 Thessalonians 5:8

Sneak-a-Peek at Me!

She picked out a pretty dress and reminded me not to forget her polka-dot hairbow. She just had to wear her sandals and a precious smile. You see, today, Nati Grace was meeting her preschool teacher at Sneak-a-Peek!

Her outfit was complete, her face was beaming with excitement, and we were almost ready to walk out the door! Nati Grace turned around and asked me, "Mommy, am I supposed to sneak-a-peek at Mrs. Johnson or she supposed to sneak-a-peek at me?"

Preschool officially starts next Tuesday! I am sure Nati Grace will shine. As for Mommy, we'll see if she survives!

"For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus." ~Philippians 1:6

Yummy! Thanks for the treat!

When I refilled the birdfeeder in the front yard the birds were happy, the squirrels were pleased, but the deer were extra thankful. Along with the crab apple tree in the yard across the street, our cul-de-sac has become the happening spot for the mommy deer and her babies.

"O taste and see that the Lord is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!" ~Psalm 34:8

Mrs. Who?

Last Thursday was "Sneak-a-Peek" day at Jake's school. He was able to go meet his new teacher and see his classroom. Wonderful thing for student and parents alike! His teacher was quick to introduce herself as Mrs. Ramsey. Jake was able to talk with her for a few minutes and after filling out a few papers, we were done and headed back to the car.

Jamie asked Jake what he thought of his new teacher and he quickly responded, "I think she is at least a little bit of a Tar Heel."

Confused, we both asked why he thought such a thing (considering there was plenty of Georgia Bulldog things in her classroom). With a look of unbelief, Jake clarified, "Daddy, her name is Mrs. Rameses!"

Hopefully everything is straight and today she will be just Mrs. Ramsey.

"In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:6

Letting Go and Holding Back

Nati Grace finally asked me, "Mommy, why are you crying and why are we still standing in the driveway?" To be honest I am glad she was still in my arms. Otherwise, I might have not known what to do with myself. Jake just left for his first day of first grade!

I am not usually a crier. But today, I was. Amazingly, I cried more today than when he went to Kindergarten. Maybe it is because I know he is no longer a "little kid," or maybe it's because he didn't need me to walk him in for his first day. Or maybe a mommy just needs to cry every now and then. Thankfully, I didn't cry until after he left. I decided I needed to hold back those tears until he couldn't see me. I wouldn't want him to think that he was not big enough for me to let go... a little.

"but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen." ~2 Peter 3:18

Pastor's Wife Syndrome

Pastors' Wives often seem to have a stigma about them...you know, the piano playing, smiling, cheery lady who sits on the front row. She always seem to have the perfect attitude in worship and I am quite confident that she rises each morning with the perfect heart attitude. She must be the perfect mom because her children are perfect. You would almost think that she spends her whole day quoting Scripture and that she could not possibly ever have negative thoughts.

Hmmm... somewhere along the way I missed those lessons. God has taught me much lately. I can only play the piano with one hand (and not well even then), I can only wish that I was always smiling and although I sit near the front of the church, I often wonder who is boring holes in the back of my head with their eyes. My attitude of worship is a conscious decision just as it is for all and I have learned that until I have downed a cup of java and had my quiet time, my night owl personality doesn't always lend to me waking up with the perfect heart attitude. I know that I am not the perfect mom and I can assure you that although precious to me, my children are far from perfect. Trying to convince someone that I spend my entire day quoting Bible verses seems futile and, without the grace of the Almighty, I am sure that I would have enough negative thoughts for you and me alike.

So, where does this leave me? I have to think that it leaves me right where the Lord can use me. Obviously, it cannot be in my own strength that I accomplish anything that would be God-honoring. Once again, it seems to consistently come back to the God-confidence that I must have to survive even one day.

This morning was the first time in quite a while that I was able to just become part of the congregation for even one of the songs. As I stood and sang From the Inside Out, I was reminded that God doesn't see the "Pastor's Wife." He sees my heart. I cannot hide it from Him. I cannot put on a smile and expect Him to believe me. I must have my heart in the right place for worship. I must be willing to turn my life inside out each day, each moment in order to be glorifying to Him.

"But the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." ~ 1 Samuel 17:7

From the Inside Out~ Hillsong

A thousand times I've failed
Still your mercy remains
And should I stumble again
Still I'm caught in your grace

Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending, Your glory goes beyond all fame
In my heart, in my soul, Lord I give you control
Consume me from the inside out Lord
Let justice and praise become my embrace
To love You from the inside out

Your will above all else, my purpose remains
The art of losing myself in bringing you praise

Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending, Your glory goes beyond all fame
In my heart, in my soul, Lord I give you control
Consume me from the inside out Lord
Let justice and praise become my embrace
To love You from the inside out

Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending, Your glory goes beyond all fame
And the cry of my heart is to bring You praise
From the inside out Lord, my soul cries out

Who Needs Hair Anyway?

Oh my! The competition started and there was no looking back! The VBS classes at KSBC took on the challenge of Operation Worship! For every $5 that was earned, a Bible was purchased for a service man or woman serving overseas. The week was quite a success with over $2000 being raised and over 400 Bibles purchased! And... money is still coming in for the project.

The catch? The class collecting the most money got to do two things. First, the teachers of the class got to shave Jamie's head and the kids got to dump Hawaiian Punch all over his bald head! Let's just say... he took one for the cause! Jamie seems to think that if that is what it takes to God's Word in the hands of soldiers who need the Savior, it was WORTH IT!

Dear Father,

I pray for the soldiers who will receive Bibles. My prayer is that You prepare their hearts for Your truth. Lord, teach them that in times of uncertainty, Your truth is unshakeable!

"For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart." ~Hebrews 4:12

You may go to the following link to see the glory of the baldness! A special thank you to Beth Johnson for her excellent videography skills and commentary during the event!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHqTD6CaTbA

To Cling or Not to Cling?

This summer has been a turning point for Nati Grace. She has not always been a huge fan of swimming. For me, that was something I was determined to change. I want her to enjoy the water just as much as I did when I was a child. However, over the past couple of summers Nati Grace has not quite shared my love of the water. As a matter of fact, her idea of swimming has been more like clinging to Mommy and me hoping that I survive the choking!


Oh, but this summer, Nati Grace discovered her magic vest for the lake and the ocean and her magic swimmies for the pool! She is absolutely enamored with her freedom in the water and I am in awe of the difference of just one year!


And then... there is that little side of me that realizes my little girl doesn't need me quite as much as she used to. But, isn't that what we are supposed to do as parents? Teach our kids to do things on their own. With each passing day, they should rely on us less... but if not on us, then on who?


Our initial response may be that parents should teach their children to have self-reliance. Well, I find that is just not true in my own life. Quite frankly, I find myself more "clingy" now than I have ever been...to my Father, my Heavenly Father. It seems to be a paradox. As earthly children, we grow and need our parents less. As children of God, as we grow, we discover that we need Him all the more.


I have been clinging a lot lately. Things get stressful... I cling. I get tired... I cling. I get myself in a mess (which seems to be way too often)... I cling.


So that leaves me with only one possible conclusion. As my children are growing, I should teach them to be as clingy as possible to the great and mighty God that I know as my Savior. My prayer should be that they have no self-reliance at all, but overflowing God-reliance.


That should help me as a mommy. My Nati Grace is not able to do things on her own without my help, she is simply able to do them in God's strength. Wow! That makes her growing up become a lot easier on my heart!

"When I remember Thee on my bed, I meditate on Thee in the night watches, For thou hast been my help, And in the shadow of Thy wings I sing for joy. My soul clings to Thee; Thy right hand upholds me." ~ Psalm 63:6-7

Are you sure this is fun?

The kids and I spent a wonderful weekend with my parents camping at Lake Hartwell in South Carolina. Jamie was not able to go with us... but hopefully he can get away the next time we go. I have several pics and experiences to share with you about the weekend, but one stands out above the rest.


For the past two years we have "taught" Jake how to go tubing. The first year was a struggle and he only went about 100 yards before he was screaming that he had had enough! Last year was better, but he wasn't yet big enough to lay across the tube. He still had to climb in and it made for an extremely bumpy ride. This year, however, Papa (my dad) decided to teach him how to lay across the tube.


The first day of tubing was okay, but not too much fun for Jake. He didn't like the way the water was splashing in his eyes. Well, he decided he had the answer... Goggles! So, green goggles and all, the second day was MUCH better. As a matter of fact, he said that he made up a song and sang while he was tubing.

I am so blessed to have this silly little boy as my son. God gave me great delight in watching have fun!

So, I hope you enjoy the show... green goggles and all!

"Correct your son, and he will give you comfort; He will also delight your soul."

Let it Shine

We had a few sparklers left over from an event this weekend. You will need to excuse the pajama kiddos, but I think the rest speaks for itself...

"Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in Heaven." ~Matthew 5:16

(You may need to stop the music from my playlist to hear the sound.)

Special Guests

After brunch on Saturday morning, my eye was caught by something moving around in the backyard. Our special guests were back. Two years ago, a doe raised two fawns in our backyard. Earlier this Spring we saw a doe, obviously expecting, eating the honeysuckle at the back of our property. Sadly, the fawns never appeared. I just assumed that maybe the doe decided to take her babies elsewhere.


I was delighted that the doe decided our backyard was once again a nice place to bring her two new little ones. Our neighborhood backs up to a protected National Park, so the deer here have never been threatened or afraid of humans. Although I would never atempt to approach one, we were able to go out on the back deck and enjoy a look at our special guests.


The moment was surreal. We were basking in the beauty of God's sweet creations. Just then, knowing that her Papa's hunting seasons have not been that great lately, Nati Grace whispered, "We need to call Papa."


Don't worry...the sweet family in our backyard will never see a kitchen table.

"As the deer pants for the water brooks, So my soul pants for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God; When shall I come and appear before God?" ~Psalm 42:1-2

The Best Show in Atlanta

The dilema is quite a difficult one in the Auton house. You see...I love fireworks! Jamie likes them as long as a large crowd is not involved. Nati Grace doesn't like the "booms" of fireworks and Jake just wants to be in the middle of all the action. With the advice of my friend, Amy, we went with her and her husband, Justin, to the top of a parking deck in the Vinnings community. Odd, yes, but the view of metro Atlanta was AMAZING!

We got to the parking deck just in time to set up our chairs, drink a Starbucks, and enjoy the view before it got dark. Once the show started we were able to see the Fourth of July Celebrations of several communities in metro Atlanta... Midtown, Stone Mountain, Chastain Park, Downtown Centennial Park, Marietta, and Lennox Mall. It was perfect! No loud booms, all the fireworks, and only a small crowd. I think we have found our annual Fourth of July tradition!

I am so thankful to live in a country where my family is free to worship and proclaim the love of Jesus Christ. I am so thankful to so many men and women who put their lives on the line everyday for me to experience this great freedom. I am most thankful, however, for a God who sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die on a cross so that I can experience freedom from sin...here on earth and for all eternity!

"Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the Spirit." ~Romans 8:1-4

Special Quotes from the evening:

"The fireworks are so pretty, it makes me want to cry" ~Jake Auton

"Jake, who did we win our freedom from," Amy asked. Jake responded, "Ummm... oh, I know! The Indians!" Oh well, it was the perfect teachable moment.

"Justin, you better not jump over!" ~Amy Weaver Did she really think he would?

"Daddy, this is the best firewacker show ever!" ~Nati Grace Auton

The pictures below are of Nati Grace and Jake waiting on dark to arrive

and Jamie and Justin looking at the fabulous view.

A Hole in 14...

I revert back to our beach trip again today. I can't help but wonder exactly why there are so many putt-putt courses near the beach. Every beach I have been to seems to have a couple of things in common... surf shops and putt-putt courses. These two things seem to be found on every city block. As we drove down the main drag at the beach, we actually lost count of the souvenier shops. Many of which I hope I never have to enter! The only rival to souvenier stores was the vast number putt-putt courses. Many had monkeys with glowing eyes. Some had dinosaurs who would eat your putt-putt ball. There were even some active volcanos.


Just like any good tourist, we took our turn at playing a round of putt-putt. Now, you must understand. My sweet husband is quite competitive at any sport he takes on. Although I am not quite sure if putt-putt is a sport, it is considered one by Jamie. We set out with 4 different color balls and clubs in hand. Jake was the first to putt. He took aim and after about 3 putts...in went his ball. Jamie was second and he took pride in already being under par. Nati Grace was next.


Nati Grace impressed me with her skill of putting her PINK ball on the putting area. She seemed to be so very confident of herself. After a few pitiful looks at her daddy, Jamie went and help her position her hands on the little club and she set off on putting the ball down the green. Several strokes later, Jamie once again stepped in and helped her get the ball in the hole.


In the next couple of holes, Jamie, Jake, and myself had great success. We were all relatively close in score and Jake and I had even had the victory of a hole in 1. Nati Grace was up again. "Daddy, I can do it myself this time," she declared! Sure enough, 10 minutes later, her pink ball finally dropped in the hole. She quickly added, "See, Bubby, I am a good player too! I got a hole in 14!"




You see, Nati Grace was far more concerned about making sure she completed the task ahead of her than about the hardship that it took for her to get there. A hole in 1 or a hole in 14... her persistence still got her there.


I have found myself asking the question, am I willing to persevere, fight the good fight, and finish the race even if God asks me to go through trials, heartache, and difficult times? Am I willing to try 14 times to get the ball in the hole or do I give up after the first try?

Dear Lord,
I want to stick it out! I am confident that You want me to see it to the end.

Help me to remember that You have already won the game,

I simply need to do what You have called me to do.

"Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy se before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." ~Hebrews 12:1-3

Dancing the Day Away!

My family just returned two days ago from a wonderful vacation to Panama City Beach, Florida. While there, my son, Jake, decided to do a little dancing on the beach for everyone to see. Boy, can he put on a show. It went on for about 10 minutes before I decided I should probably get out the camera and film a bit of his moves!

There are days that I wish I could just go outside and DANCE! I can't say that I have ever been a good dancer. As a matter of fact, I think my skills were at their best when I danced as a chicken in a dance recital at age six. It is the freedom of dancing that is enticing to me. When we were children, dancing just came natural. With absolutely no skill at all, we would dance like the whole world was watching and hope that they were.

I have contemplated if I can take the same look on my walk with the Lord as I did when with my dancing as a child. Reckless abandonment! Can I live a life for Christ with no skill of my own...only His? Can I live a life that He shines through...even in my messes? Can I live a life for Christ like the whole world is watching...and hope that they are?

"Let them praise His name with dancing; Let them sing praises to Him with timbrel and lyre." ~Psalm 149:3