Wonderful Reminder!

It's funny to me how sometimes I find myself wallowing in something. Whether it be health, or money, or the struggles of smoking, blah, blah, blah... It's always SELF-pity. or SELF-doubt. But ALWAYS involves te word SELF. (add the ish on the end and you get it)
Anyway, lately (for a few months anyway) I have been focused on "I'm not worthy" of the ultimate sacrifice that was paid for me. In my prayer life, such as it is, every time I have prayed I've been thanking God for THE gift that I am unworthy of!
On the way to work this morning, I was listening to IBN and Dr Michael Youssef was preaching on this very topic. The main point to his message, which I am sure I was directed to listen to this morning, was to quit focusing on you unworthiness of THE gift but the GRACE which God showed in giving THE gift of Jesus! The message was on point to what I had been needing to hear! Because, as it turns out, according to Dr. Youssef, NO ONE is worthy, but God's Grace is sufficient!
Amen
C

Wonderful Weekend!

We had a great weekend!!
We went to the Woodland High Basketball games on Friday night.Both games were amazing! The girls and boys both lost, but both games came down to the wire and each only lost by 2 or 3 points! Incredible games. I wish more teenagers would go out to all the sporting events and support their teams. More events attended leaves less time for getting in trouble!
Saturday was full! Grif had a cup stacking event on Saturday (ALL DAY)!!! He did well and won a bronze medal in his relay event. Then he had a basketball game. They lost, but he played well (maybe he was watching the high schoolers play a little more than I thought he was!) Saturday night was the Men's ministry sportsmans banquet. This was a great event. Lots of visitors, wonderful food, lots of door prizes (that I didn't win!!) My neighbor went with me and seemed to have a good time as well.
Sunday was a wonderful day of worship with Dr Paige Patterson speaking. He spoke a message that just fit with where our church is right now! Bible study was challenging as always! Shep spoke on prayer. Last week he had spoken on the need for all Christians to be studying the bible. Both of these VITAL activitities can't just be performed on Sunday mornings, but we need to be actively seeking God through the week, in reading and studying the bible and praying on our own. Wonderful stuff!!
We had a good turnout for the choir preview Sunday night. Dinner was good!! And the cake I had made, while ugly, was good!! I learned how to make fudge icing like my Mema used to make!! This batch taught me how, and I can't wait to make the next cake!! Already looking forward to it!
C

A year ago

A year ago today was just like any other Sunday. We went to church. Worshipped, Bible Study, Lunch, home for a nap. I went to Basketball Practice for our church team. Played/practiced for two hours!! Two hours, full court, sweating, running, you get the picture!
Anyway, when I got home, things changed. A few hours later I was in surgery clearing a 100% blockage, to relieve the major heart attack I was experiencing. It was taken care of so quickly that today I have VERY little permanent damage!!
God carried me through it. There is no doubt in my mind. New lease on life. I work out daily now. I eat better. I play better. You name it, I try to do it better. The same me, just different!
Many people over this last year in my family, my church family, work, friends etc. have helped and encouraged me in this life change. From constantly asking about smoking, or telling me I look good with the weight loss, to praying for me (and my family!), just numerous ways. I can't express how good it feels to have such great friends!
Donna has put up with a lot. In sickness and in health, for better or for worse. She ovbiously meant those vows and has been steadfast beside me! She is an amazing woman and I am lucky to be able to call her my wife and my best friend!
I still have a long way to go to reach certain goals that I have set for myself, but I feel like I am making great progress.
C

Christmas and The New Year

The Guyton Family had a great Christmas!! It was spread out as always with finishing opening the last gifts of the season with Donna's family on Saturday the 2nd of January. I absolutely love having a large family. Not for the presents, but for the amount of "get-togethers". Eating, laughing, talking, watching football and all the rest that comes with families at the holidays!! It is just wonderful. I received A LOT of cooking stuff that I had asked for and have already put some of it to use!! I can't wait to try it all out!
I'm glad to be working out again and just generally back into the regular routine of life. I'm ready for the choir to crank up tomorrow night at church again. The break is always nice, but I always find myself ready to get going again!!
Everyone stayed awake down in Jackson on New Year's Eve until midnight. (Well, Grif didn't make it, but....) I got to ring in another year kissing my baby and telling her happy new year. It don't get no better than that!!
C