"I want to go to Heaven..."

Sunday was a happy day in the Thornton family, after months of asking questions Sophia went forward after the morning service at IBC, to accept Jesus Christ as her Savior!! PTL!!

Later that evening, I was sitting on the front porch of my parents house with Sophia and Ayana. Ayana was busy reading books to Raspberry and Rainbow Sunshine - her two favorite stuffed animals. I began to talk to Sophia about the decision she had made. Making sure she did completely understand her decision I asked, "Sophia - now that you asked Jesus to be your Savior, what does that mean?" She responded, "It means I get to go to Heaven!" Ayana quickly turned her head and the conversation went as follows:

Ayana: "Sophie, you get to go to Heaven?" (in a some what jealous voice)
Sophia: "Yes!"
Ayana: "That means you will get to see Bert. Bert is in Heaven. I want to see Bert. I want to go to Heaven."
Sophia: "Well then you need to ask Jesus to come into your heart, Ayana."
Ayana then looked at Sophia with a somewhat confused look on her face...the normal response of a four year old to that subject matter.
Ayana: (in a determined voice) "I miss Bert and I want to see her. I want to go to Heaven."
Ayana then walked off the porch.
I asked where she was going. She pointed to the sky and said, "I'm going to go to Heaven to see Bert." Then walked down the sidewalk with a look of determination on her little face.

Ahh...the innocence of a child, makes me smile and often makes me giggle or laugh!

I love that Sophia was so quick to respond with how someone can get to Heaven, I pray that continues. Especially as she shares her news with her Dad, his family and her friends at school.

I love that Ayana still remembers Bert (Ayana speaks OFTEN about Bert and missing her), even though Bert hasn't been with us for almost a year. I love her desire to go to Heaven - even if it isn't for the reason of wanting to avoid Hell, at least in her 4 year old mind she knows what Heaven is and that it is a place she wants to go. I pray that this desire remains and that she too will one day proclaim Jesus as her one and only way to Heaven.

The Words of a Mother....

Statistics show that men and women do have a word quota for each day...with women saying more during their waking hours than men. Daily word averages said per day during the waking hours: Women = 16,215, Men = 15,669. (source: http://www.world-science.net/othernews/070705_gender-talk.htm)

I'm sure that a Mom's average is going to be slightly - since most mom's spend their entire day talking to their children...whether reading books, teaching manners, playing tea party or superheros, working on homework assignments, scheduling appointments, reminding a child to practice, teaching a basic life skill, giving friend or relationship advise, praying with their child or simply saying..."I love you!". A mom spends most hours of her day focused on raising a child that will one day be a well behaved, responsible, respectful adult.

Christian Comedian, Anita Renfroe has taken the various things a mothers says in a 24 hour period and put them to music in a 2.5 minute song. I found it rather fitting to use this hilarious, yet very true song to honor...all it is that our mom teach us from the time we are children all the way up through our adult lives.

Happy Mother's Day!!!

Thornton? Thornton?...I'm here!!

Hello faithful followers!!

I know I've been very slack in updating, but I've also been VERY busy over the last five or so weeks. But life is going very well these days!! Let's see...I chaperoned a High School trip to Virgina Beach (reminding me why I love the beach so much, and making me wonder why I don't live closer!) - I feel a strong leading to head eastward...SOON!! Within 13 hours of being home from VAB, I jumped on a plane and headed for Houston, TX for 3 days for business. The weather WONDERFUL (high 80's) and both flights were good. Well the trip home was an adventure. I suffer from claustrophobia - and I was in the last row of the plane...window seat. Next to me sat a 13 year old boy who had been up since 2:30 a.m. (departure was 4:30 p.m.) and he suffered from ADHD - oh and had nothing to occupy his time, since his mother took all of his candy prior to take off - PTL for the removal of candy!! However, Claustrophobia and ADHD, really aren't the best combo. But thankfully I had the window seat and could look out and enjoy God's beautiful creation. Dinner was served (ham/turkey sandwiches) so that helped him occupy 20 min. of the 2.5 hour flight. He really was a good kid, and we were able to share a little bit of our backgrounds. All in all, it was a great time. Then coming home I celebrated my Lord's victory over the grave with family and friends. I've also been busy working on my part in IBC's 75th Anniversary Celebration - which is actually this Sunday. 75 years of ministering to the Westside of Columbus - what a testimony and blessing. I'm in charge of the cookbook (I hope it gets done!!) and centerpieces - so this week will be a crazy busy one for me!! Well I don't have time to update too much more, but I'm really excited about slowly starting a new endeavor - in my not really there free time!! Maybe I'll fill you in on that one next time.

I'm back!!!

Another Song to Bring Comfort...

This song has continually played in my head this week. It became very special to me around the time my sister Kari came returned back to Columbus with her three small children, and admitted that she had been in an abusive relationship for almost 5 years - without any of us knowing. The days ahead were filled with roads that our family had never walked down, and each hour of our life was full of ups and downs.

As news during this last week was made known to me - this song came back to me. It's been a week in which I've seen Brothers & Sisters in Christ receive news like..."the treatment isn't working"...."hospice is going to be called in to help"...."effective April 10 your job will be eliminated". While I wasn't the person to directly receive this news - the news has dropped me to my knees more than once crying out to my God on behalf of my friends. Bible verses and songs have filled my mind - as I don't want to allow the "what ifs" to take root. During recent weeks, as situations have come into my life (whether directly or indirectly) I've asked God what it is that He wants me to learn from this situation. Not to make it all about me - but I truly believe that we each have lessons we need to learn when those around us are given the instructions to walk down the easy and hard roads of life. Well I've not yet learned exactly what my lesson is for these situations - I know that I'm learnng more and more to have a true realization that, I can't live A day without Him.

Psalm 119:105...

"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."

To this day, I'm afraid of the dark. I still, as a 32 year old women, MUST sleep with a light on. Total darkness terrifies me, and brings no rest to me.

The verse above and the song below, have been favorites of mine for many years. The truth and comfort that are found in them bring comfort and peace. This past week, as some may know, an announcement about our recent organizational structure was released. Finding your name on an organizational chart is nothing shy of relief - because it means you still have a place in that organization. So when the information was released, via e-mail, I looked only for my name. I read through each chart (7 total), and I read through them for a second time. Neither time finding my name. I was not surprised, rather confused. Why wasn't I notified of this sooner? Why was this information released, without someone warning me that my name wouldn't be included? I attended the meeting following the release of the e-mail, and still received no further explanation or clarification. The conclusion of the meeting was at three o'clock, and I tried to make a b-line to my boss' office. I arrived and found the door closed with him on a conference call. The "news" of my name not being on the organizational chart - became the buzz of the office. While I tried to avoid other co-workers, SEVERAL were asking about me and my future. I had no answers for them...and I myself had questions. 5:00 came, I decided it was best for me to leave. Still without any answers. I still wasn't worried or concerned, I continued to remind myself of what I've been clinging to over the last several weeks...I know who is in charge and I know he will take care and provide. On the drive home, I quickly went to my card file of bible verses I had learned over the years. I was finding comfort and light for this dark path that I was walking down. Unanswered questions are like darkness...you have no direction? You aren't sure where to turn or if you should turn. But, again, God's Word was shining some light on my path and allowing me to have peace and not worry. I slept well on Wednesday evening, and was ready to face my boss that next morning. But again the door was closed and he was on back to back conference calls. All day long different co-workers would stop and ask if I had any updates. Finally at 5:00 p.m. - 27 1/2 hours after the announcement had been released - I was finally standing in Mike's office. He informed me that he was made aware this "piece of information" earlier in the day and that my name not being included was an oversight, and that the chart would be updated. I left the office thanking God for giving me the peace and grace that I needed. While I'm not 100% sold on the answer I was given - I'm going to take it for what it's worth and just praise the Lord that I continue to have a job. During those 27 1/2 hours I tried very had to remain positive and have a Godly attitude - but Satan was very much there trying to get me to crumble. But I wasn't going to let him get a foothold - I wasn't going to let him take me down that easy. The Bible verse continued to come back - don't grow weak in well doing, for in due time you shall reap the harvest...but my God shall supply all my needs...this is the day that Lord has made let us rejoice....but He can do exceeding and abundantly more that I can imagine...fear thou not for I am with thee...and several others.

I'm so thankful that when I don't have the answers and I don't know which way to turn, I can go to God's Word and find direction, answers, contentment and peace. On days like Wednesday and Thursday - I'm reminded of how blessed and thankful I am to have a personal relationship with the creator of this universe...if He speak it and it happens, then I know that He will can and will provide for me. Days like Wednesday and Thursday - also leave me with a great passion for the lost - because HOW, HOW, HOW can they get through any day - let alone a difficult day or days -without Christ in their life? The world so needs the lamp unto their feet and the light unto their path.

Work Update

Work is still a constant uncertainty these days. We seem to have meetings that update us on that fact that there is nothing new to update us on and that more updates should be available in a week or two. Great...more waiting!! However, this uncertainty has allowed me SEVERAL opportunities to share my faith with my co-workers. Being the Executive Assistant, many feel that I have the inside scoop...well this isn't true. However, it never ceases to amuse me how creative and sly people will be to ask questions or dig for answers. The words, "I find out when you find out" have become a part of my conversation...daily!! Often people start to share how worried they are and ask if I'm worried. I've decided that I'm going to take the opportunity to share my faith...so my usual response goes something like this "the uncertainty isn't an easy situation to be in and I wish this wasn't my reality. However, I personally know who is in charge, I know he will take care of me and my needs. So I'm just going to let him have control." The response back usually is, "Yeah, Mike (my boss) is a great guy and I'm sure he'll take good care of you." Then I smile and tell them, I'm not referring to Mike - rather I'm referring to God. Some have told me it's great that I have that faith, some of have just walked away and others have started to ask a few questions. This whole situation has been a great opportunity to share my testimony. I have a co-worker and a semi-friend (meaning we are very close at work, often have lunch - but rarely see each other outside of work or work functions)...her name is Laura. Laura is my age and we have many things in common...we are both single and are currently without a potential dating material, we started working at DE within two weeks of each other, we both adore our nieces and nephews, we both love our birthdays, we both love to cook and bake, and we both enjoy baseball (only a month until Opening Day!!). Laura to my knowledge is not a christian - or at least she does not have evidence in her of being a christian. In recent weeks, Laura has expressed to me how worried she is about losing her job, and how if she loses her job she will also lose her house. We have spent hours (not in row) talking about this subject, and each time I try to remain positive, hoping that I'll show her through my words and actions where my faith lays. Recently her brother and his family have started attending a church. Laura went last week for her niece & nephew's baptism and we were able to discuss some of the things that happened...including what a total immersion baptism symbolizes. I asked if she thought she'd go back...she didn't say yes, but she didn't say no. I know the Holy Spirit is working in her...she continues to come to me to find peace about everything going on in her life. If this situation will bring Laura to a saving knowledge or back to a relationship with Christ, it will be worth it. I pray daily for Laura to have a soft heart, open ears and mind, and the desire to keep coming back. I daily pray that I will have a positive attitude, the right words to say at that right time, and that I'll take the opportunities...not just with Laura.

I'm told there should be a meeting this week, that has more details and direction. I'm hoping my name has found it's way in a box on the organizational chart...and will remain there for a while. We'll see what this week holds...God is in control and nothing will come into my life that does not first pass through his hands. How wonderful it is to rest on this promise!!!

Homemade Memories...

I love tradition, and I try to build as many traditions into my life as possible. Tradition = memories. Memories = a legacy. A tradition that I love is each year getting the nieces and nephews a new book for Christmas. Usually this tradition fades as they become teenagers...although if a good book comes my way that I think the would actually read, then it's given. Back to the tradition...each year as I begin to brainstorm and ask for "wish lists", I usually ask what kind of book that child wants that year. Last year (2007) Ayana told me she wanted a scary book...so I figured "Where the Wild Things Are" would be scary enough for a (then) 2 1/2 year old!! I try to make sure the classics are given "The Little Engine That Could" (my personal favorite), "The Very Hungary Caterpillar", "Corduroy", etc....if they haven't already been received in previous years. Well this year I approached Sophia about her book...I asked what kind of book she'd like to have and she said she wanted a cookbook. Oh for the blog followers who know me well - can only imagine the excitement that filled my whole being and the happy dance that I was doing - since I am a cookbook lover and collector. "A COOKBOOK!!! (High pitched voice and a cheesy smile) Oh Sophia...a cookbook it is!", I replied. For several days I researched children's cookbooks. It couldn't be just any ordinary cookbook - there was a criteria. It had to have real dishes - not something like...Princess Pie. I wanted it to include an explanation of cooking terms, utensils, the food groups, etc. I wanted it to be a source for her to use not just now when she is 6 (with very limited cooking privileges), but to use for years down the road. So I searched and I settled on the "Betty Crocker's Kids Cook". It has a nice variety of everyday foods and it's broken down into meal categories. It has fun pictures, and met the criteria I had set. I couldn't wait for her to open her gift.

Part of this tradition, is that I try to write a note in the new book - even if just "Merry Christmas (year inserted), Love Aunt Meggie". I try to make a personal application to the book - but how personal can you get with "The Very Hungary Caterpillar". But this year, I wrote Sophia a note, about how happy I was that she wanted to learn to cook...I knew her love of cooking would one day carry on my legacy of cooking. I also promised that one a day that she didn't have to go school and I didn't have to work - she could select some recipes from her new book and we would make dinner for the family.

This evening was the date that was selected several weeks back - Sophia's school had Parent/Teacher Conferences and my office was closed for President's Day. Since it was our special project, I allowed Sophia complete control of the menu. Her selection: Spaghetti, Chocolate Cake with pink icing and sprinkles - Sophia loves sprinkles on anything!! Fairly simple menu - kid pleasing and economically friendly (aka cheap!). I added a salad and garlic bread to the menu, and invited the entire Thornton/Knisley Family over to Mom & Dad's - dinner to be served around 6:15-6:30. The family began to arrive around 5:30 or so, everyone was able to make it except for Uncle Steve - he had to work a double today. But have no fear...leftovers were sent his way! In an effort to make sure that order was kept, I decided that dinner would be served by the course. Sophia sat the table, prior to almost every one's arrival. While the garlic bread was baking we mixed up the cake (she dumped everything in the bowl, cracked the eggs and mixed with a rubber spatula - I just measured and made sure it all looked evenly mixed before placing in the cake pan). We then began the water boiling/noodle cooking process...she even helped break the uncooked noodles in half. Dad had made his homemade sauce, so it was just a matter of re-heating!!! After licking the spoon and bowl of the cake batter, she sat two baskets for Texas Toast garlic bread out for everyone to enjoy during the salad portion of dinner. Sophia lovingly filled each salad bowl and then served them on her little tray. After delivering the salads she took drink orders, while I was finishing the noodles and putting the cake in the oven. As drinks were being delivered - again on her little serving tray, I filled each plate from the kitchen and told her who was to receive that particular plate of spaghetti. The entire time she was just beaming with joy - and was so happy to be serving her family. At last it was our turn to sit down, and join the family for dinner - with the cake cooling on the counter. After dinner, without any adult instruction or encouragement - she went around to the table asking if everyone was finished and she cleared their plates. Carrying them back into the kitchen on that same little serving tray. I was amazed!!! By this point the cake had cooled, so we iced, decorated and served dessert.

It was such a wonderful evening with the majority of the family gathered around the dinner table. Praising Sophia for such a tasty dinner!!! What a wonderful way to end a 3 day weekend. Homemade memories, good food and family time!! After everyone left Mom & Dad's - I asked Sophia if she had fun. She excitedly shook her head yes, and asked what we were going to do next time. I was still re-couping from this evening - but we discussed some options, and it's a toss up between tacos or lasagna.

Photo's of the evening: I meant to get pictures of her serving salads and spaghetti, but I couldn't get it all done and take photos...maybe next time!!

While shopping this past weekend Emily found an adorable apron/hat set that would fit this evening's agenda. I of course, thought it would just top off the evening, and it came home with me. Sophia LOVED the apron, but wasn't too excited about the hat. We all loved the hat. But she only kept it on long enough for everyone to see and for this picture...of which we had to beg her to let us take. She finally gave in to our begging, but wouldn't smile!!

Sophia and I had planned to make the cake from scratch, but circumstances of the day didn't allow that to happen, so Betty Crocker's Chocolate Fudge cake came to the rescue. I almost always make my baked goods completely from scratch - so using a boxed mix and pre-made frosting isn't something I like to do. However, Sophia wanted chocolate cake and I had to make that happen - even if it meant a boxed mix. However, you can see that end product turned out very pretty - and rather yummy.